NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE 6 £6.00

SAABDRIVERThe Magazine of the Saab Owners Club of Great Britain Limited

INSIDE A NEW 9-5 HAS LANDED SOC WEBSITE DEVELOPMENTS What’s happening?! MOTORSPORT www.saabclub.co.uk Slippery when dry... You have two seconds to find out how good your crash repair is...

Unfortunately accidents happen and when they do the way your safety systems deploy is timed in fractions of a second and in a particular sequence. From crumple zones to tensioners to airbags. If your has not been repaired to pre-accident condition then your future safety may be compromised. You can be assured that Saab technicians are fully trained to the highest standard with the latest technology to assess and restore your Saab to its original condition, using only genuine parts.

Always insist on an Approved Bodyshop and genuine parts.

If it’s not repaired at a Saab Approved Bodyshop can you really be sure?

For your nearest Saab Approved Bodyshop call 0845 300 9395. saab.co.uk 8 14

34 58 CONTENTS 6 STEERING WHEEL 25 NOTICEBOARD 8 SAAB NEWS 26 AROUND THE UK 10 IN THE NEWS 32 DID I ‘DIG IT’... YES I DID! Lack of Respect Gets Motorists All Revved Up 34 SONETT GATHERING 12 ROBIN’S REVIEW The Saab Report Part 2 36 OF ALTERNATORS AND DIESELS 38 TRAVEL CLUB 14 A NEW 9-5 HAS LANDED! Two Week self-drive tour in Florida 16 CHIPPING STEAM FAIR 42 REGISTERS Lancashire All Steamed Up 52 CLUBSHOP 18 CAR CLINIC 54 MOTORSPORT 20 POST BAG 60 PRODUCT OFFER 22 SOC WEBSITE DEVELOPMENTS Digital Pressure Gauge What’s Happening?! 62 CLASSIFIED 24 WHAT’S ON

FRONT COVER: The new Saab 9-5 unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show © Robin Morley

Please state your Membership Number on all correspondence

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NOV/DEC 2009 3 4 SAABDRIVER WHO’SWHO

FOR CLUB MEMBERSHIP, RENEWALS, CHANGE OF ADDRESS, CHAIRMAN – Richard Elliott Phone: 01457 852944 CLUB QUERIES ‘The Quorls’, 9 Wheatcroft, Contact the Membership Team on: Hadfield, Glossop, SK13 2EN. Tel: 01954 232810 Fax: 01954 232106 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] VICE CHAIRMAN – Dave Garnett POSTAL ADDRESS Phone: 01706 368724 Gorsey Field House, PO Box 1063, Octagon House, Swavesey, Cambridge, CB24 4YR. Birtle, Bury, BL9 6UD. [email protected] Club Insurance Schemes. Tel: 0800 298 4071 VICE CHAIRMAN – Alistair Philpott IMPORTANT Registers’ Co-ordinator Phone: 01653 697561 Please quote your Membership Number on ALL correspondence Rivendell, Middle Street, Swinton, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 6SR. CONTRIBUTIONS Classified Advertisements [email protected] Please send your contributions to: – see details on page 62. TREASURER/COMPANY SECRETARY Keith Copperwheat ‘DRIVER’ Editor, DAVE GARNETT, Phone: 01692 535482 Gorsey Field House, Birtle, Bury, BL9 6UD. Copy should be submitted either by e-mail or on Cobble End Cottage, Pennygate, Barton Turf, Norfolk NR12 8BG. E-mail: [email protected] CD or DVD, either in PC or AppleMac format, [email protected] along with a hard copy for reference where DIRECTORS For information, and ALL articles, Branch possible. Photographs should be undamaged and Motorsport Secretary – David Barrow Organisers’ reports, Post Bag, Sport, etc. of a good quality and, if supplied digitally, be of a Phone: 0151 510 0681 27 Lilac Avenue, Widnes, Cheshire, (See above for address.) high resolution for print, either 300dpi or taken WA8 6SX. at the highest resolution setting on your camera. [email protected] Technical queries for Car Clinic, Richard Information Technology –Toby Field Elliott. (See Car Clinic for details.) DEADLINE DATES FOR Phone: 01323 460363 78 Foxglove Road, Eastbourne, CONTRIBUTORS East Sussex BN23 8BX. Register articles to respective Registrars. Jan/Feb 2010 ISSUE: 13th Nov 2009 [email protected] (See individual Register Pages.) Mar/April 2010 ISSUE: 15th Jan 2010 Regional Groups’ Co-ordinator – Ellie Wilson Phone: 01527 403596 43 Towbury Close, DISPLAY ADVERTISING IN THE SAAB ‘DRIVER’ Oakenshaw South, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 7YZ. Anyone in the business of selling goods or services related to the motor industry can advertise in ‘Driver’. [email protected] If Members can recommend a service or would like to suggest a potential advertiser please contact our Sales Executive: Derek Best Phone: 01900 814317 Kay Scott Longview, Central Road, KJS Advertising Tel: 01943 461679 Dearham, Maryport, E-mail: [email protected] Cumbria CA15 7ER. [email protected] Robin O’Connor Phone: 01793 873179 16 Thurney Drive, CLUB VALUATION SCHEME Grange Park, Swindon, The Club Valuation Scheme is continuing to provide a very important service to Club Members. However, I would like to Wiltshire, SN5 6EP. remind everyone that the purpose of the scheme is to provide The Valuation Service for any model of Saab which qualifies [email protected] for an ‘Agreed Value’ Insurance Policy. To obtain a Valuation please request a form, return this along with a series of good Finance – Keith Copperwheat quality photographs showing all aspects of the vehicle. The Valuation will be issued soon after receipt of the information, but Phone: 01692 535482 please remember that if there is any doubt due to lack of information or poor quality photographs the Valuation may be Cobble End Cottage, Pennygate, withheld. Finally, can I please emphasise that Valuations cannot be provided for less than ten years old, and are not Barton Turf, Norfolk NR12 8BG. based on resale value. [email protected] Ken Dover Manor Heath, Manor Brow, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4AP NON DIRECTORS International Liaison – Iain Hodcroft Phone: 07976 314012 330 Manchester Road, Saab ‘Driver’ is published bi-monthly by The Saab Owners Club of Great Britain Ltd Tyldesley, M29 8NN. [email protected] Designed and produced by Librarian/Historian/Press & Publicity – Keith Long MYPEC, The Old Pottery, Fulneck, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 8NT Phone/Fax: 01226 385139 Tel: 0113 255 6866 E-mail: [email protected] www.mypec.co.uk 10 Byrne Close, Barugh Green, Barnsley, South Yorks S75 1NS. [email protected] Disclaimer Valuer – Ken Dover The Club welcomes contributions to ‘Driver’, but reserves the right to amend them where necessary. All contributions, Manor Heath, Manor Brow, Keswick, whether they bear names, initials or pseudonyms, are accepted on the understanding that the author is responsible for the Cumbria CA12 4AP. Post only opinions expressed and that they do not necessarily reflect or comply with those of the Club, publisher or editor. Although Shopkeeper – Molly Kenchington every care is taken, the Club, publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to material submitted. Phone: 01780 720 541 Whilst every care is taken to ensure contents are accurate, the Club, publisher and editor assume no responsibility for any 32 Kelthorpe Close, Ketton, effects arising from errors or omissions. Acceptance of material is not a guarantee of publication in any particular issue, since Stamford Lincs, PE9 3RS. space is at a premium. The Club, publisher and editor cannot guarantee to return original material and photographs. [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP TEAM NUMBER: 01954 232810 – 9.00AM TO 5.00PM – MONDAY TO FRIDAY

NOV/DEC 2009 5 STEERINGWHEEL

I begin to think about the November edition as I return from I am pleased to report that we have now been contacted by a the AGM which was kindly hosted again at Bond Street Select, Member who would like to take over the role of Finance from our thanks go to Simon Barre, Mary and the team for their Keith Copperwheat; Keith will continue in this role until April hospitality. 2010 and will then remain on the board as a Director with Simon made a short presentation at the start which detailed special responsibility for achieving important objectives for the the latest Saab news; we were all assured the future was clubs future development. positive despite very low sales of 8000 units in 2009. Back now to the latest ‘Driver’, do read an interesting feature He was clearly very enthusiastic about the new 9-5 (see pages from Robin on page 12 called the Saab Report, see reports 8 and 14), and the future for dealers, customers and anyone about the Chipping Steam Fair page 16, Sonett Gathering page connected with Saab. 34 and Diggerland page 33, written by nine year old Azabeth The buffet was as usual excellent and enjoyed by all whom Morley. This a taster for what’s inside your latest ‘Driver’. attended, after the food we had a constructive informal Don’t forget Membership recruitment is still high on the discussion about various topics; this will be reported in the agenda, so we thought that maybe a subscription for the next ‘Driver’. ‘Driver’ may appeal as an ideal present for a Saab enthusiast For your information some points from the last board rather than membership of a car club, so we have placed an ad meeting on Sunday, 5 July; in the ‘Driver’ and on the website that advertises a subscription • Increase advertising revenue, a meeting arranged with for six issues and free Club Membership. Kay in August. In closing, I have to report a sad loss, Colin Willey a Member • Continue membership drive, initiatives for dealers and for many years from Huddersfield sadly passed away on specialists. Monday, 12 October. For many years Colin and his wife Audrey • Website needs more input from the board as a matter of attended events with their caravan, he worked for Lanka Garage urgency, the structure is now in place but the site needs and then later J G Motors until his retirement last year. I have to populating with interesting material (see page 22 – Ed). say Colin never did properly retire, he loved working with Saabs • A new position should be created for an Events Director. and would help anyone with an interest in the marquee. Colin • National 2010, and special international in 2013 were will be missed by many. considered a priority and venues need to be decided before the end of 2009. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! • GM 900 and 9-3 Registrar still required. Richard More will be reported in the next edition. PS – Don’t forget make sure you distribute your SPLAT CARDS!

THAT SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT Why not treat a friend to a years subscription of the Saab ‘Driver’. £32 for six copies which also include one years free membership and postage Please send the next six issues of the Saab ‘Driver’ to: Name: Address: Postcode: Please send cheque for £32 made payable to ‘The Saab Owners Club og GB Ltd’ to: The Saab Owners Club PO Box 1063 Octogan House, Swavensey Cambridgeshire CB24 4YR Or order on line

Note: An invitation to renew will automatically be issued after the sixth copy.

6 SAABDRIVER Valley Automotive BOURNE (Formerly Valley Saab) MOTORS SAAB SPECIALISTS Established 1975 01737 553464 / 01737 372780 SERVICING: No work carried out without prior consent. Genuine parts used. Local collection/delivery. 38 Ormside Way, Redhill, Surrey RH1 2LW 1-2 Cornfield Lane Loan cars available on request. (Holmethorpe Industrial Estate) Eastbourne PARTS SALES: Genuine SAAB parts stocked at all times.We East Sussex also stock a large selection of used SAAB parts. 40 years as a main dealer Alternative brand pattern parts also available. BN21 4NE now operating as a Saab Specialist AIR-CON: Servicing & Repair • Service and MOT • New and Used car sales CAR SALES: Wide choice of used SAAB available from stock. If we don’t have the car you are • SOC Discounts • FREE courtesy car looking for we will endeavour to find it for 01323 you – visit our website for details of current stock. • Collection delivery • Main Dealer service at specialist prices 727011 www.bournemotorssussex.co.uk www.valleysaab.com

CENTRAL SAAB SPECIALIST Scotland’s Premier Performance and SAAB Servicing Centre • All of our services are carried out to the • Courtesy Cars Available highest standards; • Over 17 years SAAB experience • Engines, Electrics, , Brakes, Steering, • Qualified SAAB Master Technician Suspension • Warranty Cars no problem • Air Conditioning Servicing • All our work is fully guaranteed Telephone: 01875 821 144 6/1 Butterfield Industrial Estate, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, EH19 3JQ www.centralsaabspecialist.com Orpington Saab Full service only £95.00 Free collection & delivery anywhere on the South coast Free courtesy cars available Service also includes wash & vacuum New & used spares we will better any price Mail order service available • All major credit cards accepted Tel: 01959 574737 Mob: 07956 458323 Orpington Saab, Tatsfield Garage, 7 Paynesfield Road, Tatsfield, Westerham, Kent TN16 2AT www.orpingtonsaab.co.uk

NOV/DEC 2009 7 SAABNEWS ALL NEW SAAB 9-5 SALOON Launch Event 2009

Saab Drivers of the UK were invited to the launch of the all new Saab 9-5 which was held in Farnbrough during October.

We were greeted by Saab officials, this included the The following is an extract from the Saab press information fact design engineers and some of the technical design team. file that was supplied to delegates. At the start of the event a very warm welcome was extended by Johnathan Nash (Saab GB Managing Director) who said: All New Saab 9-5 : Start of a New Era for Saab “Saab has a very proud and distinctive history and the future Making its public debut at the IAA in Frankfurt, the all new Saab direction of Saab was secure”. 9-5 Sedan signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Johnathan Nash pointed out as many of the new features Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab. included in this car as he could remember, options include – The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Head-up display, this feature will project important information Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window directly onto the windscreen such as speed, revs per minute, fuel graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With frontal styling level and temperature, I am sure that as the car develops this inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a may be made to suit individual choices. As for comfort that goes muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the without saying, it really is pure luxury. A constant video trailer was introduction of a bold, more expressive design language. played throughout the presentation on features which were The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft- illustrated by a Saab engineer. like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting The usual features of safety, both to the occupants and (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab pedestrians were explained, and demonstrated via video. DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; The car has a very smooth and flowing new look, and will keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic initially be available in Saloon form only with other variants (not parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the yet specified) to follow, a lot of the cues from previous concept industry-leading all-wheel-drive system. cars have been bought to reality and going forward we will The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 litres and carries enjoy more of the Saab engineers creativity. forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on Members from the SOC GB who attended this event were responsible performance through the development of highly also treated to Swedish delicacies such as a reindeer salad and efficient and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There smoked herring! I am not the most adventurous eater but I is a choice of three fuels – , diesel and E85 bioethanol really enjoyed it… well done to Saab GB for this most – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as impressive launch event, and we are looking forward to the next low asn139 g/km. chapter in Saab imagination and traditional innovation. “This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan Åke Ellie Jonsson, ’s Managing Director. “We have

8 SAABDRIVER created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging start/stop button has an ‘organic’ shape with a varying width the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive and thickness to match the curvature of the surface. “This is in Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible perf- harmony with ‘free form’ that we’ve applied to the exterior,” ormance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will says Simon. “It’s a detail that looks very natural, adding to the every future product from Saab.” crafted, quality appeal of the cabin.” Another subtle detail are the small channels in the centre Scandinavian Design stack fascia that link the main infotainment and climate “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our controls. They resemble the shape of Leonardo da Vinci’s classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Vitruvian Man, a hint at the combination of human design and Design Chief. “We have taken visual themes in our recent scientific precision deployed in the layout of the cabin. It’s part concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by of the logical, zonal groupings used for the location of the car’s Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.” interior, chassis and lighting controls. The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with The removal of a mechanical handbrake linkage frees up space curving, ice-block units. The entire glasshouse is for a large, two compartment centre console, with twin cup- presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised holders and the potential to connect several portable devices and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature through USB and AUX connections alongside a 12V power outlet. cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the The rear of the cabin provides comfortable accommodation windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model. for three adults. Apart from more leg room, it now offers the option of rear seat entertainment via fold-out screens in the Driver Focused front seatbacks and separate rear climate control. The 60/40 The new 9-5’s spacious cabin is characterised by simple forms split, folding seatback includes an arm-rest with twin cup- that echo the clean lines of the exterior. The choice of holders, a storage compartment and a load-through ‘ski hatch’. materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5’s premium appeal. Interior Decor and Equipment A wheelbase 134mm longer than that of its predecessor has Linear, Vector and Aero variants are each distinguished by a enabled a substantial 58mm increase in rear legroom, which unique cabin ambience, including decor trim applied to the exceeds that offered by all main competitors. Front legroom is main instrument panel, centre console and behind the door also up by 11mm. grab handles. The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its In Linear specification, the upper/lower instrument panel, execution is all new. A deep centre console sweeps up around door cappings and decor trim are in Jet Black, with a choice of the driver into the main instrument display. It is a new Jet Black or Parchment fabric seat upholstery, complemented by expression of Saab’s signature cockpit layout, first introduced door inserts and armrests in a light or dark colour. on the model and continued with the current 9-5. Vector adds a choice of Dark Pewter with Jet Black, or Dark Simplicity of form is evident from a ventilation zone, with Cocoa with Parchment for the instrument panel and doors, and signature Saab ‘joystick’ controls, which extends across the top the decor trim has a brushed metal look. The seats are of the main instrument display. “This helps clean up the look of upholstered with leather bolsters and fabric inserts in Jet Black, the front fascia area,” explains Simon. “We have eliminated Parchment or Shark Grey. separate vents in the center and on the driver’s side, which Top-of-the-line Aero adds a sporty, all-leather interior with a would break up the fluid, integrated forms we wanted.” unique Clear Zone finish inserted in the wraparound instrument The deeply recessed main dials include a driver-selectable, panel. The rest of the front fascia and door trims are in Jet Black rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation with dark, bushed metal decor trim. The sculptured, perforated heritage from the Aero X concept. The needles of the dials, the leather sports seats are offered in the same colours as Vector. main display screen and the optional HUD in the windshield, Standard equipment for Linear includes: a keyless start/stop are all illuminated in signature Saab green. The ‘Night Panel’ button, electric park brake, six-way adjustable driver and four- button, another unique Saab feature, allows the driver to way adjustable passenger seat, dual zone climate control, a minimize distraction during night driving by switching off all the seven speaker audio system with an AUX socket, a leather main instrument illumination, except the speedometer. steering wheel and a text information display. In Saab tradition, the car’s ignition – now a start/stop button Vector adds front seat squab storage pouches, steering wheel – remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift and an audio and cruise controls, an adjustable front arm-rest, cruise electric park brake, which is fitted as standard for all variants. control, ambient interior lighting and a nine-speaker audio The matt aluminium trim surrounding the gear shift and system with a USB connection and a graphic information display.

NOV/DEC 2009 9 INTHENEWS

Lack of Respect Gets Motorists All Revved Up RAC research reveals most frustrating driving habits. Being cut up by other motorists, seeing drivers talking on their dangerous manner. mobile phones, and being followed too closely are the three Half of all motorists surveyed were also in favour of issuing biggest motoring bugbears according to research released today. penalty points on offenders’ driving licences, a measure already The research, commissioned to mark the launch of RAC’s in place for those caught using their hand-held mobile phone. Road Respect Day, also revealed that a third of motorists get Teaching respectful driving as part of the learning process was angry behind the wheel at least three times a week. also suggested to help improve life on British roads. Unsurprisingly, the nation’s capital, notorious for its heavy To mark the first annual Road Respect Day, an initiative aimed traffic, was voted the area of the UK with the lowest levels of to bring back the lost art of courteous driving, RAC has teamed respect shown on the road. up with motor-mad gadget girl Suzi Perry to create the RAC Up and down the country, motorists have identified the top Road Respect Guide, packed full of courteous and respectful five most frustrating driving behaviours as: motoring tips, designed to put the enjoyment back into driving. 1. Motorists driving too close behind (72%) Download a copy of the guide at www.rac.co.uk/ 2. Motorists on the phone while driving (68%) Suzi Perry says: “We all get a bit worked up from time to time 3. Being cut up by other motorists (68%) on the road, but how we handle stressful situations is the key 4. Not indicating (65%) to making driving more pleasant. When another driver is polite 5. Not saying thank you for giving way (48%) it can really make your day, in return it’s so easy to be a respectful driver and even small things like acknowledging Interestingly, driving too slowly causes more aggravation than drivers that let you out at a junction, or letting others in when speeding, with 45% of drivers saying they hate it when other you’re in slow-moving traffic can make a huge difference.” motorists drive significantly below the speed limit. Adrian Tink, RAC Motoring Strategist, adds: “RAC Road While most motorists (85%) have experienced frustration on Respect Day is all about promoting the best driving practices the roads due to the driving misdemeanours of other motorists, which cost nothing, take no time and make a big difference to 70% considered themselves a respectful driver most of the other road users. Not only does it reduce the stress of getting time, with a further 20% stating they drive with respect and from A to B, but can improve road safety and makes driving courtesy at all times. more enjoyable for everyone.” When asked what measures should be taken to combat the Look out for the RAC Road Respect vans which will be touring aggressive driving styles of disrespectful drivers, 55% of those the nation in support of Road Respect Day, displaying questioned called for tougher fines in addition to what is courteous messages on high definition LCD screens. already in place for those deemed to be driving in a reckless or rac.co.uk Make frequent checks to avoid ‘tyresome’ fines, says IAM If you’re planning a long drive, take a quick but thorough look at your tyres. According to the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), one side indicates wheel misalignment around 10 per cent of cars on the road have at least one tyre • Check the tyre air pressure (an IAM survey found that with an illegal tread depth. This reduces braking only 18 per cent of men and 4 per cent of women check effectiveness, increases risk of collision, and could lead to a tyre pressures weekly) hefty fine and points on your licence. • Underinflated tyres affect road grip, increase fuel The IAM’s Head of Technical Advice, Tim Shallcross, says: consumption and tyre wear, and in hot weather they’re “As tyres have only the area of the sole of your shoe in touch more likely to suffer a ‘blow out’ with the road at any one time, it’s a safety ‘no-brainer’ to Adjust the tyre pressure keep them in top condition – extra care is needed in autumn • Check that your tyres are correctly inflated (ideally when when sudden heavy showers can profoundly affect tyre they’re cold) performance.” Know the law Stopping distances double on wet roads and the risk of a • The penalty for driving with one illegal tyre is a fine of up skid can be trebled if the tread depth is only at the legal to £2,500 and three points on your licence. minimum of 1.6mm. This risk increases seven-fold when the • While the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, consider tread depth is less than 0.5mm. And if you have to brake hard replacing the tyres soon after the tread depth reaches on one of the 10 per cent of road surfaces with below average 3mm, and always replace them once the tread is down skid resistance, the skid risk rises by around 50 per cent. to 2mm Fitting new tyres IAM tyre advice • When replacing two worn tyres, the new ones should be Inspect fitted to the same axle, preferably the rear axle • Check the general state of the tyre for cuts, bumps and • Also make sure the tyres are suitable for the vehicle and uneven wear: worn shoulders indicate under inflation; if the wheels they are being fitted to worn in the centre indicates over inflation and wear on iam.org.uk

10 SAABDRIVER Why should you always insist on Saab Genuine Parts? Take a closer look.

Saab Genuine Parts are designed specifically to fit Saabs. They are manufactured to exacting Saab standards to work seamlessly with other parts in the car, so they won’t compromise performance or safety.

Saab Genuine Parts are the same parts as those fitted on the production line – all engineered and manufactured to the stringent quality that Saab applies to all of its products. That’s why you can be sure they meet Saab’s quality and safety standards, with the additional benefit of a two-year warranty to give you total confidence.

Next time you have work done on your Saab, always insist the repairer fits Saab Genuine Parts.

To find your nearest dealer, call 0845 300 9593. ROBIN’SREVIEW The Saab Report Part 2 The headlines Automobile. We have a solid business plan, an important The Koenigsegg Group has signed a Memorandum of partnership and we are now in a position to go ahead without Understanding with BAIC (Bejing Automotive Industry Holdings Co any governmental financing,” said Christian von Koenigsegg, CEO Ltd), for a reported 33% equity. of Koenigsegg Group AB. BAIC will build the current Saab 9-5 in Saloon and Estate car Koenigsegg Group now focuses on the ongoing discussions form in China from 2010, there are no current plans to import it to with the Swedish National Debt Office about the government Europe, but it will be built in both left and right-hand drive. guarantee for the loan with the EIB that Saab Automobile has Koenigsegg Group may not get the full $612 loan from the EIB applied for. for financial and environmental reasons, a decision should be About Koenigsegg Group AB: Koenigsegg Group AB is a made on 21 October, the Koenigsegg Group hopes this will be the consortium of private investors with an industrial and date the takeover is finalised. entrepreneurial background. Augie K. Fabela II, an American 5 October 2009 – The Swedish Government has informed the entrepreneur was the co-founder of Vimpelcom (NYSE: VIP), and commission that it is prepared in principle to provide state is the lead shareholder in the consortium, which also includes guarantees for the EIB loan to Koenigsegg Saab, subject to certain Norwegian entrepreneur Bård Eker and Christian von conditions, this should obviously help the EIB decision. Koenigsegg, the founder of Koenigsegg Automotive AB. The group’s Chairman, Augie Fabela, has taken a reported Koenigsegg Group is a long-term investor and its vision is to 42% equity in the new company, under one of his companies, revitalize the SAAB brand and transform Saab Automobile into a ‘Sunshine’. standalone independent company. The Koenigsegg family company, ‘Apraaz’ has reduced its About BAIC: Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co Ltd equity to 24%. headquartered in Beijing, is one of the major auto manufacturers It appears uncertain if Bard Ekar will continue his involvement in China. It established Beijing Jeep Corporation, the first with the group. Sino-U.S. automotive joint venture with American Motors (AMC) GM has agreed terms to sell Vauxhall/Opel to Magna, they in 1983. In the past 30 years BAIC has successfully built up produce parts for a number of other car manufacturers, some of partnerships with two auto giants – Hyundai and Mercedes Benz, which, VW in particular, are concerned that a competitor will have as well as close cooperation with twelve auto components information about future products, and are considering their makers. There are more than 20 joint ventures in total within position with them. BAIC, engaging in auto or auto parts manufacturing businesses. Is Saab going to be free from GM after all or does GM have Today BAIC is one of the most competitive auto groups in China, some influence over BAIC? The CEO was a GM employee for with four auto manufacturing subsidiaries with a product portfolio several years. of passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles. BAIC is one of the fastest growing auto companies in China. From January to Following on from my last report a lot has happened, since Mark August BAIC sold 792,550 vehicles, with a year on year growth of Bishop decided the exposure was too much for him the 42.4 per cent. The total car sales are expected to reach 1.13 ownership percentages have changed quite a lot, Alpraaz the million this year. Koenisegg family company shares have dropped to 24% and a new company Sunshine has a whopping 42%, this company is So what does BAIC want from Saab and what do they expect in owned by the new Chairman, Augie Fabela. Although Sunshine return? This differs depending on who you believe, Jan-Åke has a registered office in Holland, there does not appear to be a Jonsson claims they will be a minority shareholder, but according phone number or an e-mail address! Has Koenigsegg sold a to some reports, they will be a large 33% shareholder which differs portion of Alpraaz to Fabela? It has been widely reported that from what was stated in the above press release. Alpraaz is actually owned by Fabela, but nobody seems willing to With BAIC now working to not only take on the continued confirm this. Below is part of a statement from the new company. production of the old 9-5 Saloon and Estate in China, Dazong ‘Koenigsegg Group no longer need any additional loans from indicates that he also wants Saab technology and safety Swedish state but is capable of financing with the help of GM and engineering as part of their nearly 33% stake in the newly the new investors,’ said a source familiar with the negotiations as independent Saab Automobile company much like GM did over Dagens Industri quoted. their 20-year ownership of Saab, according TTELA. So who is the new investor? It is Beijing Automotive Industry What worries me is the reference to GM which should not really Holdings Co Ltd (BAIC). Below is another statement from the be a surprise as BAIC’s CEO was a GM employee from 1985 to Koenigsegg group issued on 9 September 2009. 2008, he also claimed that BAIC was one of the 20 companies interested in buying Saab earlier this year, he also stated that his Koenigsegg Group AB has signed a Memorandum of company wants something in return for their investment stake Understanding (MOU) with Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings with Koenigsegg Group. This ‘something in return’, now appears Co Ltd (‘BAIC’) to explore growth opportunities in the Chinese to be technology, engineering and intellectual property rights, and international markets for the products of Saab Automobile more shades of GM. and BAIC. At the moment BAIC produces cars for other manufacturers as Under the terms of the MOU, BAIC would become a non- stated in their press release, for some time they have wanted to controlling minority shareholder in Koenigsegg Group. build a car of their own hence continued production of the Koenigsegg Group will own 100 per cent of Saab Automobile current 9-5 that no doubt will be renamed, at least for their home AB. The intention is to conclude an agreement later this year. market. It appears that the management of Saab and the Due to confidentiality agreements signed, further facts cannot Koenigsegg Group as well as Saab’s trade union in Sweden appear be discussed at this time. The Swedish Government has been to be very happy with the deal. fully briefed on the MOU. Swedish Newspaper, Dagens Industi reports that Saab may not “This is an important step on the road to a new Saab get the full EIB loan.

12 SAABDRIVER I have attached the report in full as the loan is crucial to the Industry insiders see this differently: Koenigsegg group’s plans. • Current production rates are around 35,000 (retail sales are less) per year. It is generally held that annual figures closer Saab may not get full EIB loan to 500,000 are needed to generate enough income to • $612 mln loan is key to Koenigsegg acquisition plans replace platforms over their life time. • Questions whether some projects fit EIB lending rules • Saab has been emasculated during the 20 years of GM rule. • Concerns remain over Koenigsegg’s ability to buy Saab Design, engineering, parts warehousing, finance, IT, wholesale distribution, retail distribution and purchasing are now heavily , 29 September (Reuters) – Ailing Swedish car firm entwined within the GM business. This was a sensible cost – Saab, being sold by [GM.UL], may not get the saving strategy at the time, but is now a threat to the survival full 4.3 billion Swedish crown ($612 million) loan it has asked of the Saab business. And remember that all Saab engines for from the European Investment Bank (EIB), daily Dagens will be sourced through GM/Opel companies. Industri wrote on Tuesday, quoting an unnamed source. • Saab now have (or will have) two models to serve them for The loan is key to plans by luxury car maker Koenigsegg to the next seven, or so, years. They won’t be gifts – almost buy Saab, but the EIB is doubtful whether some of the group’s certainly they will be the subject of royalties to GM. projects to develop environmentally-friendly technology are • The Koenigsegg operation provides only a small within its remit for lending. minority of the investment. It is mostly financed by other The EIB could lend Saab much less than the car maker wants, financial players, bank borrowings and government loans. the paper wrote. From this point of view it is a venture capital operation, “There are questions about whether a number of and the players probably intend recovering their development projects fit with the EIB’s rules for lending,” the investment sooner rather than later. The most likely paper quoted a source with insight into the process saying. scenario is that they develop the business and sell it by Koenigsegg, backed by U.S. and Norwegian investors, struck a 2015. It would make a fine addition to one of the Chinese preliminary acquisition deal earlier this year, but concerns have car manufacturing operations wishing to penetrate the continued to surface over whether it had the financial muscle premium market? to buy and run Saab. • Koenigsegg have been very vague on future plans. ‘Exciting Koenigsegg is in talks with Sweden to secure state guarantees future brand development’ means what? It may be that for the EIB loans. they intend to sell the Saab name and production lines But Dagens Industri said that questions had also been raised whilst keeping (or selling?) the Trollhättan factory. There regarding the value of collateral that would be placed with have been rumours of using it to assemble electric cars. Sweden’s Debt Office to secure a guarantee from the government. • In fact, Koenigsegg brings very little to the party, and “There is a discussion as to whether Saab’s assets shouldn’t arguably their presence is a threat to the future of Saab. be valued at their worth in the event of insolvency rather at They are unable to provide parts, retail or wholesale car market value,” the source said. distribution chains, and there is no obvious route forward “In that case, the collateral would not be enough security for with joint platform development. Saab really needed an a loan of 4.3 billion crowns.” existing manufacturer who could provide the parts of the Koenigsegg Chief Executive and part owner Christian von business lost in the GM years. Koenigsegg told Reuters there was good progress in talks to • GM is happy to get rid of Saab. Saab employees see secure the guarantees and the group aimed to finalise Saab’s Koenigsegg as the best option if they will be able to control acquisition by the end of October. He played down a report the company in the future. that Koenigsegg could pull out of the deal unless there was • There have been a few articles in the financial press progress on securing loans. questioning the future of Saab with Koenigsegg. There were Koenigsegg said state-run Beijing Automotive Industry criticisms of the transparency of the Koenigsegg group. Holdings would take a minority stake in the luxury carmaker as Then Mark Bishop pulled out quoting excess publicity as a part of its planned purchase, easing funding worries. reason. Now, it seems that Koenigsegg may not have Swedish state secretary Joran Hagglund told Reuters on enough funds to invest either. Tuesday he hoped the EIB would decide on the loan on 21 • Swedish Prime Minister Frederick Reinfeldt has stated, October or the day after.’ “There are those trying to change the way companies should be run in Sweden. Firstly, the buyer stumps up Will Bard Ekar continue with his involvement with insufficient funds. Then the venture capital and credit the group’s acquisition of Saab? markets… decline to join in. And then the state is left there The group claims he has been misquoted in the Swedish press, as the largest venture capitalist of them all, who with Christian von Koenigsegg denied there was any trouble in the welfare money should go in and assume the risk that no investor group to take over Saab Automobile from GM. but one else wants to take.” stated the protracted affair is a great sacrifice of time, money and resources. It is hard to see where Saab will be in 2019? It appears that doubt is spreading amongst the Automotive Where will Saab be in 2019? At this time I doubt anybody industry. Below is a story that I read in Automotive Management knows, although I suspect the Koenigsegg group will have sold in mid-September, whilst things have moved on a little I it to BAIC. My opinion is that this was the plan from the thought it was worth reporting. beginning, but selling it to the Koenigsegg group was politically acceptable to both the Swedish and American Governments. Time for a reality check? I have a print deadline looming so I will have to close this ‘Saab has always had an extraordinarily enthusiastic and devoted report, I wish I could have held it back until after 21 October worldwide customer base. They, like many others, believe that the but the printers need time to put the next copy of ‘Driver’ production of competitive premium cars is the way forward. together, so as they say, that’s all folks. Koenigsegg were seen as the future salvation of Saab in Sweden. Robin O’Connor

NOV/DEC 2009 13 A New 9-5 has landed! My trip to Frankfurt to see the launch of the new Saab 9-5

It all started so well, I left home at about 2.30am Tuesday After another quick chat from Jan-Åke Jonsson we were all morning and headed for Stansted. I was there in plenty of invited to visit the stand and look over the cars for ourselves. time, all checked in and ready to fly. I even had a friend To see the new Saab 9-5 in the metal is what you need to waiting for me at the airport in Frankfurt. One big problem do, she is beautiful. You can see cues from the Aero X at the arose when I landed and I think some of you might know front end and the new tail lights will instantly become a what’s coming next. The Frankfurt that Ryanair flies you to is classic. The interior is roomier than the outgoing 9-5 but you about 100 miles from the real Frankfurt. But it just so still know you are in a Saab. happens that they supply coaches outside the airport to take I very much enjoyed the launch and spent quite a few you to the city. Well, long story short and after a couple of hours on the Saab stand talking to the Saab people as well train rides, I made it to the Saab stand with four minutes to as meeting old friends from many Saab blogs. go before the launch of the new Saab 9-5 Saloon. I would like to talk a bit more in depth in the next edition Camera at the ready, the countdown showing on the big of ‘Driver’ but for the time being please enjoy the photos. screens and everyone is waiting for the great Jan-Åke Jonsson If you are on the Internet you can see a few videos at to come onto the stage to chat about the new Saab era and http://saabfriends.ning.com and there are more than a few the brilliant new 9-5. Then the lovely Asha Ali appeared on photos at stage to sing her new song while the covers came of the car www.flickr.com/photos/trollpowersaab/sets/72157622270843789/ and then all four cars slowly came into view. Robin Morley (SouthWestSaab)

14 SAABDRIVER

CHIPPING STEAM FAIR Lancashire All Steamed Up

16 SAABDRIVER The Lancashire Group of the Saab Owners Club held their now stand certainly demanded some attention as we started yearly get-together in conjunction with the Chipping Steam Fair. removing the mud and polishing our vehicles. Chipping, a small village near Preston, has held this Steam The Ruby Saab 450 model had a few second glances which Festival for over ten years now. The Lancashire Group of the brought people over not quite believing what they were seeing. Saab Owners Club first visited the event three years ago as a one-day event, but over the last couple of years we have been Sunday, 24 May part of the fixtures and fittings displaying our cars over the This brought our biggest turn-out with local fellow Saab three-day event in what ever weather. enthusiasts arriving on the day from as far as the Birmingham This year’s event, held over the May Bank Holiday weekend, area to give us support, and some beautiful cars both classics saw us have our best ever turnout with us displaying 24.5 cars and newer models they brought with them. Chris Boffey, from on the stand with a couple of cars still parked/stuck in the the Cheshire, Staffordshire and group showed us camping field. the way by receiving a prize rosette for his fantastic daily driver, well deserved Chris. The afternoon of Friday, 22 May Julian Davis brought one of his immaculate Saab rally edition This saw around 12 of us arriving on what looked like a lovely 99s, we had five and a rake of c900s including a dry early summer’s evening, with the weather forecast being couple of 9-3s and a couple of special edition 9-5s. quite promising, but little did we know what the Ribble Valley Luckily the weather had changed so much that fellow held in store for us. enthusiasts couldn’t believe that it had been so bad previously. From arriving into the valley we were greeted with a large dark The order of the day was car wax and suntan lotion as the sun grey cloud constantly drizzling over the steam fair site. The camp was baking hot. site had to be hurriedly re-positioned due to ever deepening mud Later in the afternoon we had to say goodbye to the guys gullies, which led to our cars having to be undignifiedly towed into who were driving over to Cadwell Park race track for the Saab the camp field – where’s my towing eye? Yes, in my garage keeping track day event. So we said our goodbyes and wished them a dry, so I had to be pulled backwards into position to the hilarity of safe and enjoyable event. other exhibitors who had arrived earlier before the field had In the evening we travelled down into the village to watch the become hell’s ditch. Although the weather did look a little steam engines roll into the village and have dinner. We had ominous it didn’t stop us having a get-together with the West planned on using the steam bus but as the weather was so warm Yorkshire Saab enthusiast guys who had driven over to see how and dry it was nice to have a cool pint after an evening’s stroll. the better half of the Pennines lived. We also met up with a few guys from the Aberdeen area who Bank Holiday – Monday, 25 May are regulars on the great www.UKSaabs website. They’d come The wind-down day, all the late nights and early mornings were down to say ‘hi’ on their way to the Cadwell Park Saab track day now starting to show but we were still left with eight Saabs on the event held on the Monday. It was nice to put faces to user club stand and as the sun was still shining, a last chance to get names. We all chatted into the night with a couple of beers as our cars packed and off the muddy camping field and onto the we looked forward as to what the morning may offer. club stand for a serious cleaning and polishing. The barbeque was put out and the club tent was packed away and at the close of the Saturday, 23 May event wearily we weaved our way through the villages back to our Those of us who managed to get our cars down to the display own beds. It all led to a fantastic weekend, it was really nice to site in the morning were busy setting up our new all-weather have so much support from all the people who joined us either in LSOC tent. I must say the Club stand looked resplendent, far turning up or supplying generators, gas bottles, barbeques, and a exceeding any other club stand in number and quality models big thank you to Saab GB who provided the banners. but, unknown to us, because of the weather the Steam fair And mostly thanks for all the help and support from our patient organisers were in deep thought as to the continuity of this wives and partners because without their support we’d be in the year’s event due to the lack of suitable parking because the same league as the Austin Marina guys... you’d have to be there! parking field had become rather sodden. Maybe next year? Why not find your local Saab Club and see However, with over three-hundred people at the gate and the what they are up to... sun starting to shine, the site soon filled with spectators. Our Steve, Lancashire group of the Saab Owners Club

NOV/DEC 2009 17 For CAR CLINIC letters send a SAE for individual replies to: Richard Elliott, ‘The Quorls’. 9 Wheatcroft, Hadfield. Glossop SK13 2EN CARCLINIC Telephone: 01457 852944 E-mail: [email protected]

CAR CLINIC SPECIAL Saab 9-3 Sport 1.9TDI The above model has been around since 2004 some of which My 1.9 TDi now appears to run unevenly when first started from are now approaching 140,000 miles, driving performance is cold, almost like a missfire, when driven appears normal. good, however the car does have some issues like all cars do, This could be caused by a faulty or sticking EGR valve, (does not but stands up well to the miles, easily achieves 40mpg and always cause check-engine light to come on) or the swirl valve flaps on represents good value for money second-hand. the inlet manifold becoming clogged or siezed and may be disconnected. The design is poor and the mechanism is fragile and falls apart, it This is a selection of typical questions relating can often be freed off and reassembled without much dismantling but not to this model. always, a dealer will probably recommend changing the manifold.

Clicking noise from behind ACC panel. On my 1.9 TDi when I depress the I can feel and hear a This affects all models with ACC, caused by faulty re-circulation rattle/vibration. What is the cause? flap motor, easy and cheap to replace. A common question which concerns the DMF, dual mass flywheel, which is fitted now to lots of models and gives trouble. Its a two-part I have been told by my dealer that when a cam belt is changed flywheel which absorbs torque under acceleration and gear changing. the water pump should be replaced, is this correct? These wear out and rattle. Only answer is to remove transmission This would be my advice, a cam belt on this model should be replaced and replace, it is disappointing that this component fails before the at 72,000 miles, on later cars this has been extended to 90,000. clutch. They are available now outside the dealer network for about However, my recommendation is to change at 72,000 and also £260, from a dealer they are £400. replace water pump and coolant. There have been cases of water pump failure, the pump is driven I have been told that my 1.9 9-3 needs a new alternator and by the cam belt so failure will result in a snapped cam belt causing two front springs. Is this normal? damage to the engine. Front spring failure is common an all new-shape 9-3 models, it’s also This engine has, however, been designed so that in most cases common on lots of other marques and if you believe Honest John, damage to the valves wont result as it has special cam followers which (Saturday Telegraph) is down to speed humps etc. are designed to break first. It’s surprising then that I have never heard of a spring failure on any The answer is to replace the belt, all rollers and tensioner, and 9-5. Alternator failure is common on the 1.9 only, these are available water pump, it sounds expensive but I have to say the parts are for around £195, must be a design fault. This alternator is made in cheap, being related to Fiat and Vauxhall. Italy by Denso and it’s the only one that fails at relatively low mileage.

18 SAABDRIVER TECHNICAL TIP Winter Checks Now winter is approaching, check tyres, lights, antifreeze and I suggest fit a new battery if it’s over four years old. Modern generation batteries don’t usually last much longer. Richard Elliot

NOV/DEC 2009 19 POSTBAG

An Unusual 900 An interesting but somewhat unusual Saab conversion! The car is Swedish registered and was spotted at Ostend ferry terminal enroute to the UK, so it’s probably causing everyone who sees it to do a double take! Must play havoc with the petrol consumption. Alan Holden

Toppola camper conversions are common in Sweden, especially on 900 classics, This is the first 9000 one I have seen. Ed

New Members’ Thanks As a new Club Member and Saab owner, a few words of thanks to Richard and Dave for an excellent time on the Peaks and Dales weekend, fellow Members were really friendly and made us both feel very welcome. As for the work done for the drive- out on Saturday, words fail me. So a huge thanks for a great time and to all involved, roll on next year. Jerry and Mary Rigden

20 SAABDRIVER Classic 900 Display Advertising Anyone in the business of selling goods or services related to the INDEPENDENT SAAB SPECIALIST SERVICE, motor car, as a general rule, can advertise in the ‘Saab Driver’. REPAIRS For Expert Advice speak to our & SALES MASTER TECHNICIAN Bryan Ward 01482 222 622 If Members can recommend a service or would like to suggest someone to our Sales Executive we would be most grateful, Classic 900 – Personal Saab Service the more revenue the Club can bring in, the more Tel/fax: 01482 581 519 • E: [email protected] money we can spend on the Club. www.classic900.com Your Sales Executive is: Official Installers Kay Scott Tel: 01943 461679 Classic 900 Ltd, 15 Kimberley Street, Argyle Street, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 1HH e-mail: [email protected]

CHRIS HAMLEY Motorvation , 9000, 9-3, 9-5 SPECIALISTS Established 1985 SERVICING: CAPEL GARAGE, Menu Prices (Free Courtesy Car) HALFMOON LANE, PARTS: TUDELEY, Genuine New or Used, Quality TONBRIDGE, Imported (Mail Order if required) Customer Cars for Sale (Listed free) KENT TN11 0PT A friendly service where ADVICE IS ALWAYS FREE! Tel: Wellington 01823 652692 Exeter 01392 259600 TEL: 01892 825208 FAX: 01892 822447 E-MAIL: [email protected]

B. & D. SPECIALIST CARS MICHAEL FOULKES A.M.I.M.I SAAB - OUR SPECIALITY Independent SAAB Specialist North Wales • Service, Repairs and Sales • Other makes catered for • Free Courtesy Car Available • Air Conditioning Service & Repairs 95 Heater Box Shafts broken? – don’t despair – we can replace them at Breaking 9000 and Classic 900 Courtesy cars available very reasonable costs • MOT Testing • Electronic Tuning • Tyres • Batteries • Wheel alignment & balancing • Member of the Good garage scheme.com All Major Credit Cards Accepted for appointment Tel: 01303 264700 Unit 28, Tir Llwyd Industrial Estate, Kinmel Bay, Rhyl LL18 5JA RANGE ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HYTHE Tel: 01745 343642 Mobile: 07860 511935 REDHILL GARAGE | NOTTINGHAM Tel: 0115 967 0332 E: [email protected]

A family business for over 25 years, where we treat our customers with respect and provide a good service for a fair price.

Independent SAAB Specialists • Fully Qualified Technicians • Complete Diagnostic Services Full service & repair facilities for cars & light commercial vehicles, up to 3.5 tonnes We supply , exhausts, brakes, batteries, cam belts & tyres • Car Sales • MOTs Specialist Air-Conditioning service by arrangement • Member of the Good Garage Scheme

Redhill Garage Ltd, 262 Mansfield Road, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8JY • www.redhill-garage.co.uk

NOV/DEC 2009 21 SOC WEBSITE DEVELOPMENTS – what’s happening?!

As many of you will know, the Club has invested heavily in the redesigned website in the last couple of years. What we have now, with thanks to Richard Sprinks and Toby Field, is a great platform to build upon, by providing content via the web and particularly to members only. This medium is becoming increasingly important to the Club, both for attracting new members and also to provide better information and services to you, our existing membership.

What we have not managed to do yet is explain to all our You can use the Calendar function to check what events are members what they can do, and how to do it, and for the coming up, either in your area or in other parts of the country. officers of the Club what we expect of you. This article is There are different ways of viewing this, I find clicking on the intended to provide you with the key information you need to ‘Agenda’ view makes it easier to see what’s going on. This use the site, and to help us make it a great source of should reflect the same level of information as the ‘What’s On’ information on Saabs and on the Club. section of ‘Driver’, but if you discover that an event you know ‘Driver’ remains our main vehicle for communicating with our of isn’t listed on the Calendar, please let us know by emailing members. I know I for one like to have a proper magazine that I Toby, either via the ‘Contacts’ link or straight to can read anywhere, and can easily refer to without booting up [email protected] the PC. We expect the website to develop in parallel with You can also send us any articles, links or features you think ‘Driver’, but due to the immediacy of the Internet we fully would be useful to have on the website, just as you would to the expect it to develop a character of its own that is a little editorial team who produce ‘Driver’. We hope to get a larger group different from the magazine, which is inherently static in nature. of members who are able to administer and manage the site in due course, but for the time being if you send your content to any What can members do? of the Directors, we will arrange for it to be uploaded. So, what do we need our members to do? The first thing is to In addition to this, we will provide access for all the Club’s get your login set up. Details for this are on the site, but just to officers to maintain certain sections of the site. For example, make it easy, I’ve reproduced them here: each Registrar can update his or her register page – and I would To start with you will have to register with the site to activate urge you to maintain the introduction, and provide a brief your account. This will only happen once and you will need to biography to introduce yourself. You can also upload model- confirm the following details: specific features and articles that you think will be of use to • SOC Membership (Username) #: e.g. 012345 (only use first members. If you need any guidance, or want to ask any six digits. If less than six digits, prefix with zeros) questions, just get in touch with Toby or myself. • Post Code: e.g. AB12 3CD I think Branch Co-ordinators will find the features of the At this point you can add your e-mail address and create a website of enormous value if you start to use them. I know a password (case sensitive) to your account on the website. Press number of Groups have their own websites, and this costs your the submit button and you should see a confirmation message Group money which could be spent elsewhere. You could at the top of the page. Then you can log into you account via instead use the Club’s site to host a sub-site just for your the log-in boxes in the left hand menu. Group and save this cost, as well as show how your Group is So that’s you set up to access the site. You can now update part of a larger Club. You can ensure all your events are detailed your personal details including details of your cars, this will on the Calendar, so your members and potential Members can enable us to link the records currently held by the registrars see what is coming up. At a time when a number of Groups are with the membership database and just have one repository for suffering from dwindling support, you can use the site to market member information. yourselves in your area, and I urge you to do so. You can also use the Gallery feature to show off pictures of You can also upload details of your Group contacts, you and your car, and you can use the Classifieds section to sell committee details, and reports or photos of past events, again parts and cars. just as you might for the ‘Driver’. It’s important to keep this

22 SAABDRIVER information fresh and updated, certainly every few months. That but anyone else could also be listed, along with links to their way we ensure that we are showing the world how active the website if required, for a small annual fee. Club is – there’s a lot more going on than many people realise! As you know we have shied away from having an SOC Forum We have provided a ‘toolkit’ that will enable members of the in the last couple of years. To be frank, we had our fingers Club to really enhance our web presence, all we need is for all of burned, my own especially. However, we do recognise how you to do a little to exploit these tools and that is exactly what we many Members want this facility, and we realise how useful will achieve, so I urge you all to find a little time to think about forums can be – after all, I am one of the top posters on what you can provide, and what you would like from the site. This UKSaabs! What we don’t want to do is set up a ‘rival’ forum to brings me on to the next, and possibly the most important, part compete with those that already exist and that you all love to of this article. We need more volunteers. Simple as that. use – UKSaabs, Saabscene and SaabCentral all have their own We wish to form an ‘IT’ sub-group who will support Toby to character, user base and we do not wish to tread on their toes. manage the content on our website. You don’t need to be a So next year we will launch a new forum. This will be Members technical genius, I am certainly not – although I work in the IT only, invisible to the outside world, linked to your login and only industry, I know very little about the technology – it’s the real names will be permitted – no Internet aliases. While this people I sell who do! You do need to be ‘web-literate’ and be takes a little of the fun out of the forum, it does make it a lot able to use basic text editing functions that are similar to those easier to moderate and control. It’s very easy for trouble- you would find in Word or Outlook. And you need to be able to makers to hide behind daft names like ‘Fliptop’, ‘tobyfield’ or give us a little time – we’re not looking for you to spend hours a ‘elli’ on public forums, we don’t want that in ours. Actually I’m day on this, but perhaps an hour or two per week would be a not sure I got that right with those last two... big help. If you think you can offer some support, or if you do We will also be putting some focus on improving the Benefits happen to have technical skills that would be of use, please let section, again so that we can provide better services to members us know. and to help us attract new members. Examples recently are the discounted entry for the NEC show, and a new Future developments discount scheme being offered to members by Millers Oils. We already have a number of developments either in the Undoubtedly there will be more to come, but not unless we pipeline for 2009 or planned for 2010. These include: can find enough people to help Toby to do the work that is An interactive Saab Dealer/Specialist locator – this uses needed. I hope this article has given you a useful insight into Google Maps to provide very detailed location mapping of all what is possible, what we plan to do, and perhaps what you can the Saab specialists and dealers in the UK. We have a list of do to help. It’s a bit of a cliché but I’ll use it anyway – this is our about 300, all over the country. I’ve recently seen Toby’s pilot, Club, and we all have to take some responsibility for its future if it’s brilliant. This can be made available to Members so if you we wish to continue enjoying what it has to offer. The SOC is a are not sure what alternatives you have in your area, or if you collection of people who happen to share a common interest in are somewhere unfamiliar and need help, there is an easy way all things Saab. The Club will live or die on what each and all of to find the help you need. We also hope to ‘sell’ this to those us do to support it. I look forward to your support, ideas and on the list for inclusion on the public-facing site, ie not in the offers of assistance. Members only section. Any specialists or dealers who already Many thanks! advertise in ‘Driver’ will automatically be eligible for inclusion, Alistair (aka ‘Fliptop’…)

NOV/DEC 2009 23 Ellie wants your dates! The Rolling Diary is proving hugely popular with Members, so please do support any activities in your area. Please fax any events to Ellie Wilson on 01527 403596 WHAT’SON or e-mail: [email protected] giving dates, times, locations and a contact name, number and e-mail plus, if required, a few words about the event. The deadline for for ‘WHAT’S ON’ ONLY in the January 2010 issue is 13th November 2009. PLEASE QUOTE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER ON ALL CORRESPONDENCE

NOVEMBER 2009 Ebor Saab Ebor Saab MARCH 2010 Group trip to NEC Classic Car Group meeting. Please contact Tu e s d a y 3 r d Show. SOC will have a stand, the Karl Moxon for more details Tu e s d a y 2 n d day is generally very entertaining. West Midlands and [email protected] West Midlands and Contact us to confirm which day Warwickshire Saab Warwickshire Saab our Group will be attending. Club Night at the Stonebridge Saturday 12th Club night at the Stonebridge Beds, Herts & Bucks Saab Pub. The junction A45/A452 just Pub at The junction A45/A452 Saturday 14th Meeting at The Green Man, one mile from Birmingham just one mile from Birmingham Beds, Herts & Bucks Saab Eversholt at 1:00pm. airport. Meeting starts at 7.30pm Airport. Meeting starts at Meeting at The Green Man, – for more info contact us at 7.30pm. For more info contact us Eversholt at 1:00pm. Monday 14th [email protected] at [email protected] Lancashire Saab South Yorkshire Saab Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Ring ‘O’ Bells Friday 19th-21st Wednesday 4th ‘Drinks Round the Pond’ at Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, L40 5TE. Dunsville from 6.00pm. Scottish Weekend South West Saab We meet every second Monday of [email protected] The Royal Hotel, Stirling. The Airfield Tavern, Alvington the month from about 7.30pm. See noticeboard opposite. Lane, Yeovil. See our website Tuesday 24th New Members welcome. Contact www.southwestsaab.co.uk for North West Saab www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk Wednesday 27th more details. Meeting at 7.30pm – Salford South Yorkshire Saab University Acoustic Labs tour – Tuesday 15th AGM at the Clubhouse – 8.00pm. Thursday 5th visit www.saab-nw.co.uk for more North West Saab [email protected] East Anglia Saab details or ring Richard Elliott Meeting at 8.00pm – buffet at [email protected] Tel: 01457 867878 or The Grouse, Chunnal, Glossop John Newby Tel: 0161 929 9155. see www.saab-nw.co.uk for more APRIL 2010 Sunday 8th details or ring Richard Elliott Durham Saab 01457 867878 or John Newby Tu e s d a y 6 t h AGM and Planning Meeting. DECEMBER 2009 0161 929 9155. West Midlands and Warwickshire Saab Venue and Time TBC. Contact Club night at the Stonebridge Secretary. Tuesday 1st Wednesday 16th West Midlands and South Yorkshire Saab Pub at The junction A45/A452 Warwickshire Saab Christmas Party at the Clubhouse just one mile from Birmingham Monday 9th Christmas Dinner… looks like we from 8.00pm. airport. Meeting starts at 7.30pm Lancashire Saab are going to the Dogs! That’s the [email protected] – for more info contact us at Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Ring ‘O’ Bells Hall Green Dogs track for our [email protected] Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, L40 5TE. Christmas meal. It will make a We meet every second Monday of great change to the traditional JANUARY 2010 the month from about 7.30pm. formal meals – e-mail us for more MAY 2010 New Members welcome. details [email protected] Tu e s d a y 5 t h For more details please contact West Midlands and Tu e s d a y 4 t h www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk Wednesday 2nd Warwickshire Saab West Midlands and South West Saab We will be planning the events for Warwickshire Saab Wednesday 11th The Airfield Tavern, Alvington 2010. Club night at the Club night at the Stonebridge Lane, Yeovil. See our website East Sussex Saab Stonebridge Pub at The junction Pub at The junction A45/A452 www.southwestsaab.co.uk Meeting at The Cricketers Arms, A45/A452 just one mile from just one mile from Birmingham airport. Meeting starts at 7.30pm Berwick Village, East Sussex. Thursday 3rd Birmingham airport. Meeting www.eastsussexsaab.co.uk starts at 7.30pm – for more info – for more info contact us at East Anglia Saab [email protected] [email protected] contact: [email protected] Ebor Saab Extra Group meeting: Guest Saturday 5th JUNE 2010 speaker. Venue to be confirmed. South West Saab FEBRUARY 2010 Contact us closer to the date. Christmas Dinner 2009, please Tuesday 1st check our website for details and Tu e s d a y 2 n d West Midlands and booking of this ever popular West Midlands and Friday 13th-15th Warwickshire Saab event www.southwestsaab.co.uk Warwickshire Saab NEC Classic Club night at the Stonebridge Club night at the Stonebridge SOC GB will have a stand. The Wednesday 9th Pub at The junction A45/A452 Pub at The junction A45/A452 theme will be Saab Performance, East Sussex Saab just one mile from Birmingham just one mile from Birmingham ranging from the 96, 99T, Viggen, Meeting at The Cricketers Arms, airport. Meeting starts at 7.30pm airport. Meeting starts at 7.30pm 900 and 9000 range. Hope to see Berwick Village, East Sussex. – for more info contact us at – for more info contact us at you on the stand. www.eastsussexsaab.co.uk [email protected] [email protected] East Anglia Saab We Need Your News! We are very sad to tell you that our venue for Don’t forget, Saab ‘Driver’ is your magazine and we always meetings suffered a catastrophic fire – welcome submissions from you, the Members. If you’ve got a report, a review, a technical article, meanwhile we would welcome any suggestions a travel piece or perhaps just a brief letter, send them to us of suitable hostelries. with any relevant photos at the highest resolution your May we take this opportunity to move round the camera will allow. area until, hopefully, The Chequers Inn is The Editor, Dave Garnett, restored to its former glory. Gorsey Field House, Birtle, Bury BL9 6UD. Many Thanks! [email protected]

24 SAABDRIVER NOTICEBOARD

New SOC SOUTH WEST SAAB Group for Plans are underway for a Christmas Meal on Saturday 5 December Kent Area we have booked the restaurant at A few of us are looking into starting a meet for fellow The Rest & Welcome, Saab enthusiasts. The last ‘Driver’ prompted Melbury Osmond a good response. on the road between Yeovil & Dorchester. Please email me if you Please visit our website for more details would like to attend a meet or phone Alex or Robin [email protected]

Hope to hear from you. 3-Course Meal is £19.95 a head Andrew Dunne www.southwestsaab.co.uk

SCOTTISH WEEKEND 2010 19-21 March The Royal Hotel, Bridge of Allan, Near Stirling By popular request, we are returning to the Royal, a please. Dogs with well behaved owners are welcome too. splendid Victorian hotel, well located for touring the Please book by letter, phone or e-mail – we will send Stirlingshire countryside and the Trossachs National you full details on receiving your deposit. If you have any Park. There really is a great deal to do and see in the questions, give us a bell. area, and the cities of Stirling and Edinburgh are not too far away. More here: Paul & Elizabeth Mills www.visitscottishheartlands.com/areas/stirling/index.cf ‘Hollybrook’, Cost will remain unchanged at £105 per head, dinner, 41 Monks Road, bed and breakfast for the weekend. Deposits of £10 Airdrie, each, payable to ‘The Saab Owners Club of GB Ltd’. North Lanarkshire There is no supplement for single rooms, and no charge ML6 9QW. for under 16s, except for meals as taken. If you wish, stay Tel: 01236 752089 for Sunday and Monday nights at the same discounted E-mail: [email protected] rate, payable directly to the hotel, but book through us [email protected]

NOV/DEC 2009 25 AROUNDTHEUK

All correspondence to: Hello and welcome to yet another Around the UK. As you may Ellie Wilson have noticed in the past few issues, I seem to go back in time to 43 Towbury Close, Oakenshaw South, Redditch, events, and, surprise surprise, this edition is no different! Worcestershire, B98 7YZ The guys at Cheshire and South Staffordshire Group held Tel: 01527 403596, their annual spares day earlier in the year (which was reported E-mail: [email protected] on in the last issue), however the pictures did not appear in the magazine. While I was at the SOC National during July I was Contacts promised the photos would be sent to me, the pictures duly THIS LIST REPLACES ALL OTHERS arrived… …LATE! So I missed the print, here they are, well done again to you guys for putting on a splendid event and I BEDFORDSHIRE, EAST MIDLANDS SAAB NORTH WEST SAAB hope you are in the throes of preparing the Spares Day 2010. HERTFORDSHIRE & Peter Briggs Richard Elliott BUCKINGHAMSHIRE SAAB 16 Saville Street The Quorls Let us not to forget that all the proceeds you gain are given to a Blidworth 9 Wheatcroft Christian Sawers Mansfield Hadfield charity, of which one day one of us might need, so it’s a double- Tel: 01525 402749 Notts NG21 0RP Glossop barrelled ‘well done’ to you, it is great that Saab Owners always E: christian.sawers@ www.eastmidlandssaab.co.uk SK13 2EN googlemail.com E: [email protected] Tel: 01457 852 944 turn out in huge numbers to support you. www.saab-nw.co.uk

CHESHIRE, NORTH EAST SUSSEX SAAB SOC National 2009 SHROPSHIRE & Toby Field SOUTH WEST SAAB July 2009 saw a mass of Saab enthusiasts descend into STAFFORDSHIRE SAAB 78 Foxglove Road Alex or Robin Eastbourne 10 Arundel Road Chris Boffey Stratford-upon-Avon for the National event. All manner of Saab East Sussex, BN23 8BX Yeovil, Somerset 66 Brereton Drive Tel: 01323 460 363 [email protected] drivers attended and most importantly the weather held out all Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6HF www.eastsussexsaab.co.uk Tel: 07963 066384 weekend, though I had heard stories of heavy rain on the way Tel: 01270 624659 [email protected] E: [email protected] Tel: 07515 112120 to the Midlands, but as you would expect, once you got here it www.2csaabbranch.org EBOR SAAB was great, The only ‘wet stuff’ experienced by Members was a Karl Moxon 38 Queens Drive SOUTH YORKSHIRE SAAB slight shower on Sunday, and that was only brief. CUMBRIA SAAB Cottingham Keith Long Congratulations to all who won trophies and well done to all Robert Morley East Yorkshire 10 Byrne Close HU16 4EL Barugh Green 44 Brierydale Lane the people in the background who aided with organising and E: [email protected] Barnsley Stairburn 01482 847120 South Yorkshire running the event. The highlight for me must have been the ‘re- Workington S75 1NS spray’ of Richard Elliott’s 9-5 Estate… as he actually drove the Cumbria Tel: 01226 385 139 Tel: 01900 679 26 FIFE AND TAYSIDE SAAB car home with the modified paintwork and with a caravan in Liz Robertson tow! Oh I wish I had been able to see the car as it travelled 9 Fernhill Gardens SURREY & WEST SUSSEX DALE SAAB Windygates SAAB along the M6 through the Midlands, and onwards northbound, Fife Michael Dey Richard Unsworth the Motorway Police must have wondered what on earth was KY8 5DZ 19 Hawthorn Road 2 Quarry Lane Tel: 01333 351 364 Barnsbury Farm Estate going on. As you can see from the picture opposite, Tandem E: [email protected] Woking Huddersfield, HD5 0AP Surrey, GU22 0BA SpongeBob Square pants is clearly visible, as is the now very Tel: 01484 350230 Tel: 07711 439 585 fashionable white walled tyres for the range? 07786 861760 HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF E: [email protected] WIGHT SAAB There was a distinct International feel to the event, as there Richard D Sprinks were many overseas visitors, from namely France, Belgium and 2 Alverstone Cottage THAMES VALLEY SAAB DUMFRIES, GALLOWAY & Alverstone Road Scotland! – well done to you guys for making it to the event, BORDERS SAAB Whippingham though I notice these guys do not seem to have a problem with Gerald Chamberlain East Cowes WESSEX SAAB 113 Bergh Road Isle of Wight Nigel Bailey distance, as these same guys were also at the Swedish Day in Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 7NB PO32 6NN 12 Oakdene Close Yeovil just one month before, and even after this event they Tel: 01983 880 084 Wimborne Tel: 01228 537 838 E: [email protected] Dorset were making their way onwards to the International Saab event Tel: 01202 886 888 E: [email protected] in Doesburg that very week. DURHAM SAAB LANCASHIRE SAAB This year was the first time I had ever been to an SOC John Wood Steve Alty National in a ‘non-Saab’, I was actually in a Citroën van, why? – Dunvegan 2 A Queensway WEST MIDS & 58 Thorndale Ashton-on-Ribble WARWICKSHIRE SAAB well… I had to bring the Club Shop, as Molly and Robert had PRESTON, PR2 1SN Rich Bone Belmont, Durham, DH12AH Tel: 01772 769015 160 Ardath Road gone on holiday. I hope you both had a great time, but to all Tel: 0191 384 2461 www.lancashiresaabowners Birmingham B38 9PE who missed Molly’s lovely charm, don’t worry as it will be E: [email protected] club.co.uk E: [email protected] www.wmwsoc.co.uk business as usual next year and Molly will be there to greet all

Please note the groups highlighted have returned their of the Members who were asking where she was. Incidentally, EAST ANGLIA SAAB attendance registers. Rachel Hillier Molly is still requesting ideas for stock for the Club Shop. Well I Linnaeus Groups Sub-Committee Local Liaison Officers have a request. Years and years ago the SOC used to supply a Norwich Road Stephen Trigg, 18 Clevelands Avenue, Draycott, Derby, DE72 3NR windscreen visor that said ‘Saab Owners Club GB’, this was a Scole, DISS Tel: 01332 872302 Norfolk, IP21 4DY Regional Groups Co-ordinator: Ellie Wilson, 43 Towbury Close, common sight usually on the 96s, I want… NO… I need one for Tel: 01379 740 158 Oakenshaw South, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 7YZ my 96 so if Molly or anyone can help in my quest, I would be E: [email protected] Tel: 01527 403596 e-mail: [email protected] most grateful.

26 SAABDRIVER Members around the UK for one reason or another the callers have not yet got around Thanks again to all who have e-mailed/telephoned me, I am to buying it. The car is in excellent order and has been owned glad that I put a smile on your face. Just to clear up one by the present keeper since 1976. The car has approximately 10 question, the four legs dangling out of the Saab ‘450’, in the months’ MOT and has a full service history and has been picture featured in the last ‘Driver’, belong to Steve and Neil maintained regardless of cost, it will be a great asset to the next from Lancashire Saab. All I requested at the time was for the keeper. Please contact Mr Burgess on 01843 594918 for more pair of them to sit quietly on the bumper so that I could get a information. picture for the ‘Driver’, but in true Chipping Weekend style due While on the subject of Members, if you see a Saab event you to the constant flow of ‘lemonade’ this was just not possible! would like to go to, be it a SOC event or otherwise, don’t be Pictured overleaf, also as promised, the C900 with a ‘C450’ in shy, just go along, you will see just how welcoming these events tow, this car is owned by the Alty family, from the Lancashire are, and you never know, you may benefit from getting to know Saab Group, the ‘450’ is equipped with plasma DVD and a bed! someone who may be able to help out in future. Within every Getting inside was like a ‘Dr Who’ Tardis! The last time I spoke Local Group there is always one Saabist who will have an to him they were working on the plumbing for a Jacuzzi and answer to any question you may have so if you do get the Olympic-sized swimming pool… will keep you posted. chance to attend a local event or if you can get to another As I mentioned in the last ‘Driver’, Mr Francis Burgess had Group event please do so, they will be glad to see you. that lovely 99L of 1975 vintage for sale, well at the time of The Groups have all been very busy during 2009 and writing this the car was still available, he has had some calls but Southwest Saab are already well into the planning of Swedish

NOV/DEC 2009 27 AROUNDTHEUK

Day 2010, the Spares Day 2010 by Cheshire Saab is under way and the venue will be announced shortly. The Beds, Herts and Bucks Group, no doubt, will have events planned for the first time since their launch, and with their Members ever increasing it should make for some good events. As mentioned earlier, the Lancashire Saab Group will of course be attending Chipping and many other events across the northwest during 2010.

Coventry Classic Car Run – 6 August 2009 The run also included a drive around the test track at MIRA John and Lesley Viggars organised a stand for all Saab drivers to (Warwickshire), unfortunately we were not allowed to just go attend this event, there is only thing to say for the event… it is ‘hell for leather!’ The track marshalls allowed us to go just fast a Classic Car Enthusiast’s dream, it was absolutely huge! The enough for our old cars to do it safely. If you would like to day started off with all cars being assembled in the Memorial attend this event next year (preferably in a Saab), please let me Park, Coventry, where there were over 2000 classic cars for know and I will ensure you get added to the list. viewing, you name it and it was there. Being Coventry, home of I must point out that all the Saabs returned to base with no Jaguar Motor Cars, the Jaguars took centre stage, but not to be breakdown issues. I would like to say the same for some of the outdone, the Citroën and Triumph owners’ clubs put up an Triumph Stags and SD1 Rovers but sadly I cannot, it would equally well-presented stand. appear some of them suffered overheating and usual poor build At 10.15am the drivers’ briefing took place, the SOC quality issues! Members eagerly started the engines of their cars which consisted of a 900, a 9000 and three old 96 V4s, the run was Beds Herts and Bucks Saab over a 60 mile area which took us through some lovely villages Well, it’s that day… yep the day we all wait for, that thud of the and towns, a lot of the local people turned the event into some ‘Driver’ arriving through the letterbox. As I started to read (my sort of Monte Carlo, bunting was placed across the streets, section first of course) I noticed that the Beds, Herts and Bucks tables and chairs were out with picnics taking place en-route. Group had their meeting on that very Saturday, I immediately

28 SAABDRIVER sent a message to Christian Sawers who runs the Group, to host their website within the SOC site and this would be at no advising that I would be there. I duly got up early and decided I cost to the Group. If you are interested please send the SOC would use the C900, problem is Mrs Ellie had already left webmaster an e-mail request to see what can be done. instructions for me to (a): cut the lawn and (b): ensure I collect all the cut grass, weeds and dispose of BEFORE I did anything Public Apology to all… else! OK point taken. Enter plan B… pay son of Ellie to do the I, Ellie Wilson, duly apologise for letting down the Lancashire work; this plan worked a treat, which left me time to clean the Saab Group. Yes I know it’s unheard of for me, but that is what I trusty C900, and do a quick pre-check under the bonnet. did. They had sent me the report, with pictures, for the After a nice drive down the M42/M45 then M1, I duly tackled Chipping event back in May and I misplaced them. To that end the Flitwick country lanes and arrived at the ‘Green Man’ they are duly printed in this edition, and this problem will never (Eversholt). As I pulled into the car park I was gobsmacked at happen again. END of apology! the amount of Saabs already there, everyone was sat outside as the weather was so nice, as usual I was hungry so I ordered a In Memory of Simon aka ‘Bonzo dog’ sausage baguette and a fine pint of hand-pulled ale. As we were It is always very sad losing someone you know, and within the sitting there, more and more Saabs rolled in. I think you guys Saab community it is taken just as personally. It is as though will need to get that car park extended to accommodate the you have lost a dear family member. I have only known Simon masses you may well have attending. I will definitely be back for three years and that was thanks to the Lancashire guys again. Oh yes, I must let you all into a little secret, this Group is arranging the Chipping Steam Fair stand, but I am sure those currently designing some polo shirts for their Group so watch of you who knew him will agree that he was a very nice guy, out for when they become available, please put me down for a and spoke honestly from the heart, and in a human that is a large! Another secret is they are looking into planning a track very fine quality. Bonzo was constantly inviting me up to day in 2010, so keep a lookout within the ‘What’s On’ section. Bingley for a curry at one of his WYSE (West Yorkshire Saab Enthusiasts) meets, I had to always decline because I can’t do Southwest Saab Group spicy foods. Nonetheless, we have, as have many, enjoyed a I have a question for the team at the SWSOC. What on earth couple of good ales at the Chipping Event. No doubt we will possessed you guys to want to go up into the sky in an raise a glass in his memory at the next event in 2010. I am aeroplane with no engine – a glider? After speaking to Robin, sure this little paragraph is echoed by all Members of the who calmly explained to me how the safety procedure went www.uks.co.uk forum. The funeral was held on Friday, 18 prior to take off, and advised them of what to do if the tow rope September in West Yorkshire. Linda would like to thank snapped! You see that is the exact point where I would be everybody from the Saab community for their continued setting off back towards home. Nonetheless, not to be support and best wishes. deterred, the SWSOC team had a great day out and would be happy to do it all again! Please have a look at their website And Finally www.southwestsaab.co.uk for more info. I would like to thank you all for your support throughout 2009 Talking of websites, I have noticed a few local Groups’ websites and hope you all have a very pleasant Christmas and a happy are failing to connect or are permanently down. To that end, the New Year – see you in 2010 SOC is investigating the possibility, for those who are interested, Ellie

DO YOU OWN A SAAB OR RENAULT? CHRIS HAMLEY SAAB SPECIALIST 25 years’ experience of providing a first rate service at much lower rates than main dealers Servicing • MOTs • Exhausts • Brakes • Clutches • Saab & Renault Parts Specialists in all things Saab and Renault. Visit us for all your servicing and repairs. Tel 01822 855001 Fax 01822 855101 The Parade, Yelverton, Car Sales at web: www.chrishamleysaabspecialist.co.uk e-mail: [email protected]

NOV/DEC 2009 29 AROUNDTHEUK

South West Saab has ‘buckets of fun’ For our autumn outing, it was suggested that we go to Diggerland, where you were promised ‘Buckets of Fun’.

Well, believe it or not, we did! We set off from Yeovil in our little As we arrived we were joined by Justin from Clevedon in a Saab convoy to fly the SOC flag, wearing our new South West very smart, gold 9-5 Vector saloon, and Stuart and Anna with Saab branded polo shirts. their son Finley from the Plymouth area, in a lovely deep red Mike and Marion from Weymouth, and Mark from Christchurch 900 Talladega five-door. had all made a detour to their route to join us in the convoy Just when we thought our gathering was complete, we were down the M5 to Verbeer Manor, the home of Diggerland joined by Steve and his family from Bristol in their Classic 900 (southwest), what more dedication could a local group wish for! three-door T16 to lend support to Mik and Mary’s Dark blue Thanks to those mentioned for the extra special effort. Classic 900 Aero that had been the first to arrive from Seaton in

30 SAABDRIVER Devon, which then meant that SOC Members had travelled try your hand at digging holes (or filling them in) and even from all four points of the compass in the southwest to join playing ‘hook a duck’ and I bet no one reading this has ever together for a great day out, and to me this is a big part of tried it using a JCB, unless they’ve already been to Diggerland! being a Member, family enjoyment whilst also seeing and And if there are any thrill seekers amongst you, you can ride chatting to other Saab owners! the ‘Spin dizzy’, a massive JCB with the front shovel fully seated So with the scene set I had better mention ‘Diggerland’. What and restrained so as you can be lifted high into the air and spun a great place to visit. I can thoroughly recommend it as great around at great speed. I recommend you go on this before lunch! day out for truly ‘bucket loads’ of fun. Everyone gets to drive a The weather was fabulous; the entire group had a great time full sized JCB, children between nine and 17 years of age could and enjoyed each others’ company, and we hope made some have a go at driving a 4x4 off road car, there are also dumper new Saab friends. trucks and bobcats, and then onto mini diggers where you can Alex (South West Saab) STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUSTS

CLUB SCHEME Some of the systems currently available are: CAR YEAR MEMBER EQUIV Members may now obtain Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems PRICE RRP at very competitive prices. V4 95 £338.49 £449 Subject to the manufacturerʼs guarantee terms and conditions 90 2L SAL 84-86 £300.10 £410 99L GL EMS GLS GLE SAL 76 on £297.82 £407 their guarantee is for life for as long as you keep the car. 900 GL GLE EMS GLS CD 79-83 £297.94 £410 Your contract is directly with the manufacturers who provide a 900 900i 85-90 £343.07 £410 900 Turbo 81-82 £399.61 £546 VAT invoice along with the formal guarantee. 900 Turbo 84 on £386.85 £529 Membersʼ prices include 15% VAT and delivery UK Mainland. 900i 16V Cat 89-91 £263.39 £359 Quotations supplied for deliveries elsewhere. 900i 2L 16V HB 88-91 £343.07 £470 900i 2L 16V CAT 91-93 £235.10 £320 Systems are also available for a wide range of other 900i 2.3L CAT 16V 10/93 on £394.16 £540 makes/types of vehicle. A range of Stainless steel clamps is 900 Turbo CAT 8V 89 on £249.12 £339 900i 2L Turbo 16V CAT 10/93 on £394.16 £540 also available at £6.22 each including VAT plus, if sent 900i 2L Auto CAT 10/93 on £394.16 £540 separately, p+p £3 per parcel. 900i 2L CAT Manual 10/93 on £330.81 £451 900i 2.3L CAT 93 on £394.16 £540 Orders should be made directly to Guaranteed Exhaust 900i 2.5L CAT V6 24V 94 on £345.69 £473 Systems Ltd. Tel: 01884 821237 Fax: 01884 820631 9000 Turbo 16V HB 5dr NFP 85-88 £376.42 £515 e-mail: [email protected] quoting: Name, Address, 9000 9000i 86-88 £376.42 £470 9000 2Li Turbo CAT CS 92 on £300.15 £521 Telephone Number, Membership Number and relevant vehicle 9-3 2.01 CAT B2041 02/98 on £410.44 £526 details including Registration Number. Immediate payment to 9-3 2.01 CAT Turbo B204L 02/98 on £403.92 £526 Guaranteed Exhaust Systems Ltd either by acceptable credit 9-3 2.01 CAT B2341 02/98-09/98 £410.44 £526 9-3 2.2L TDI CAT HB 03/98 on £411.42 £546 card, cheque or cash. (Website: www.gsexhausts.co.uk) Think 9-5 2LI 2.3LI Turbo CAT Sal 06/97-09/01 £463.54 £618 stainless... with a lifetime guarantee and benefit as so many 9-5 2LI CAT Est 06/97 on £387.84 £514 have already – Order in good time – Avoid disappointment 9-5 2.3LI Turbo CAT Sal 07/99 on £463.54 £712 9-5 2.3LI CAT Est 07/00 on £475.26 £750 when your present exhaust fails. This scheme is offered 9-5 2.3LI Turbo CAT Sal 06/97-09/01 £463.54 £712 without any liability or recourse to the Club or its Officials. 9-5 3LI Turbo CAT Sal 06/97-09/01 £420.87 £559 Catalytic systems are supplied excluding front pipe and CAT. In course of introduction are catalytic converters to fit some Saab models

NOV/DEC 2009 31 DID I ‘DIG IT’… …YES I DID! Diggerland by Azabeth Morley aged nine

32 SAABDRIVER When told that we were off to Diggerland I thought OK, sounds like fun. Fun was an understatement. I had a real blast. When we entered Diggerland the first things I saw were bumper cars and giant slides to go down. Mum and Dad had to prise me off them so that we could go and do what we came to do, ‘play with the diggers’. It all started with mini diggers and hooking the ducks. I love this game at fetes and parties, but this took it to another level. Once I got used to the controls it was easy. There was no stopping me then, the diggers got bigger and bigger and so did my excitement. I even got to drive a huge JCB around a dirt track! There was so much to do there; I had to try it all. The bobcats were really cool and so was getting to drive the 4x4 police car. This was one of my favourite activities. So good I had several goes. Dad thought I was just going to get a ride in the passenger seat, but no, I got to drive it all by myself! The sign said; ‘kids only; ages 9-17. No adults allowed’. This place had it so right. Mum said that just as long as that was the only police car I ended up in then she would be happy! There was one last thing to do before we all had lunch. A ride on the Spindizzy, a giant JCB with a special bucket for holding its victims… …sorry I mean visitors! I will never look at a digger on a building site the same way again. It was really cool and so much fun. Screaming and laughing, followed by even more screaming and laughing, and that was just my Mum watching us! Only kidding. It was hands in the air total digger fun. At the end of the day, just when I thought I had been on everything, there was one last ride to take. A ride in a Saab. Well it was a kiddies’ motorised one, but I managed to squeeze into it and take it for a spin around the course. It wasn’t big or fast, but it rounded our day at Diggerland off perfectly. I can’t wait to go again! Azabeth Morley age 9 (South West Saab)

NOV/DEC 2009 33 Sonett Gathering

The meeting at the Shuttleworth Collection’s evening air display there this time there may be another chance! The Sonetts on 26 September saw the biggest gathering of Sonetts in the which made it were: UK this year. In all we managed five Sonett IIIs parked up Mike and Hilary Philpott 1972 White Sonett III together, which attracted a fair bit of attention as most people Graham Herrick 1971 Yellow Sonett III haven‘t even seen one. It could have been seven if the Sonetts David and Caroline Batchelor 1970 Yellow Sonett III of Robin Eardley and Richard Rycroft hadn’t misbehaved at the Stuart and Val Payne 1974 Orange Sonett III last minute, but it was some consolation to Richard that he was Geoff and Peter Calvert 1973 Baja Red Sonett III still able to attend in his classic 900 with photos of his Sonett and other interesting Sonett information. Thanks to everyone who attended and made it such an None of us had seen all of the other cars before, so it was a enjoyable day. good chance to swop notes and share our Sonett experiences, Stuart Payne particularly as it proved that no two Sonetts are the same. There were numerous manufacturing differences as well as the modifications which had been made to the cars over the years. Following displays by many of the Collection’s unique aircraft, including a sea Hurricane and Gloster Gladiator, perfect SCANPARTS weather conditions meant even the most underpowered Edwardian aircraft could take to the air as the sun set, the SAAB SPECIALISTS oldest being a 1909 Bleriot which we all found hard to believe Tel: 01902 716100 had made it across the Channel 100 years ago. Shuttleworth Servicing, Repairs, New & Used Parts at Competitive Prices. does have a special atmosphere and it was easy to imagine yourself back in the early days of aviation. There is plenty to We supply new, used & reconditioned parts at keen prices. see – the Swiss landscape garden, and hangars containing more Air Conditioning Servicing aircraft, and a variety of historic vehicles and engines of all We rebuild Gearboxes, Engines & supply top quality kinds. It would take more than one visit to take it all in. Exchange Turbos, Steering Racks, Brake Calipers diagnostic etc. Other Saabs attending included a 96, 99, and 9-3 Phone us with your requirements , all in superb condition. The general consensus was that we should do it again next year, so if you didn’t get

34 SAABDRIVER Official Government Environmental Test Data. Saab 9-3 2.0T with Hirsch Performance Upgrade. Fuel consumption mpg (litres/100km): Urban 24.8 (11.4), Extra-urban 47.1 (6.0), Combined 35.3 (8.0). CO2 emissions 190g/km. Free Hirsch Performance upgrade is available for a period of 10 days. Thereafter, Hirsch Performance engine upgrades from £934 RRP (includes VAT and excludes fitting). Specific models require additional parts as part of the engine upgrade at additional cost. Vehicle illustrated is Saab 9-3 2.0T equipped with 240hp/350Nm Hirsch upgrade, 6-Twin spoke 19x8" alloy wheels, honeycomb grille, carbon fibre aerodynamic kit, 17" 345mm brake upgrade, Sports suspension. Information correct at time of going to press (October 2009). Inspiring performance.

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NOV/DEC 2009 35 Of Alternators and Diesels (not another Dan Brown blockbuster)

So, Bridget and I put the Waitrose bags and the glass for recycling into the boot of the 9-3 TiD and set of for the three miles into Wokingham.

As we turned onto the main road out of our estate, we both do occasionally fail. He warned me that a well-charged battery noticed that the car’s engine was idling rather quickly at about would last about one hour without charging, mainly because 1050rpm, rather than the usual 850. A minor blip we thought, but the diesel engine has electric injectors. So, I should come as as we reached our friendly local, long-term, roadworks, a warning soon as I could. ‘bong, bong’ sounded and SID told us that the battery wasn’t We set off – it’s about eight miles across Reading. All charging, that we should stop safely and contact service. So, we superfluous electrics were switched off – radio, aircon, fan. A took a convenient side road and thought about the options. window was opened slightly it was a hot day. We heard all sorts Our first thought was a battery failure. 44,000 miles, four- of strange noises, but concluded that the worst one was the and-a-half years old, but there had been none of the usual tell- jam jars and bottles rattling in the boot. Anyway, we closed the tale signs on starting up, so it seemed unlikely, but there is a window and put up with the heat – just like the old days. Kwik-Fit a mile away, so we drove there. As we drove over, we Our best route necessitated Junction 11 of the M4 and did begin to wonder whether there was another problem, such attendant roadworks. Not good at the best of times. How about as the alternator not functioning properly. with a dickey engine? We came to traffic lights and queued and We reached Kwik-Fit and, without switching the engine off, we queued. The approach road to the roadworks was channelled asked for the battery to be checked. The battery was fine – 11.8 into a single track between concrete walls. Let’s hope that the volts but there was no charge reaching it. The alternator had battery lasts long enough and that we don’t conk out here. We failed and that was beyond Kwik-Fit’s capabilities. didn’t fancy being the star turn on Radio Berkshire’s traffic Well, I had to phone Reading Saab anyway on another matter, announcements that day! so I phoned up and spoke to Cameron. Sounds like the We made it, much to our relief, onto the Inner Distributor alternator, he said. Can it be fixed today? I asked. Yes, it can, we Road past the Madejski Stadium. 40mph speed limit aside, have the correct type in stock. Cameron said that alternators should I drive in as high a gear or as low a gear as possible?

36 SAABDRIVER How do the injectors use power? I opted for low revs and early Reflections? gear changes. Was I right? • In 32 years of driving Saabs, I have never known an Bong! Bong! Another warning chime. ‘Traction Control Failure’ alternator to fail. A leaking O-ring on my 1984 900GLS is said SID. Not a problem. Dry roads. Again just like old times. Half- the worst that has happened. a-mile later, Bong Bong again. ABS failure. We’ve been here before. • One plus of GM ownership is that alternators are now Then came the first real problem. I had felt the steering about £200 cheaper than hitherto. getting heavier. Of course, the 9-3 has an electric power • Annoyance that the alternator had gone in the first place. steering pump. Now the car began to feel like a supertanker. However, perhaps being cheaper, they are now less reliable. And the trafficators stopped working, too. All of this just as we • The robustness of the battery. It obviously feeds a large got to the inner ring road and the turnings off onto the busy number of functions. Cameron said that they do last a long Oxford Road. Approaching the right turn into the residential time these days. roads that lead to the Portman Road industrial estate and the • The clever electronics which progressively shut down the sanctuary of Reading Saab I managed to get the window open, unnecessary functions and preserve the vital power to the so that I could do a hand signal for a right turn. The car injectors. wallowed around the corner, and the next four corners into • The relief that I was quite close to my main dealer and able to Reading Saab’s car park. I left the car pointing straight at the get there without too much difficulty. Otherwise, it would have entrance to the Service Bay. Further manoeuvring in the car been an RAC call out and loss of my 50% no call-out discount. park would have been very difficult. • Gratitude that Reading Saab carried the spare part and We had made it. Relief all round, but the strain of steering were able to fit the work in so promptly. against the resistance of the pump had taken its toll on my back muscles. So, all of you TiD drivers out there, be warned. It could We left Cameron and colleagues to it, whilst we enjoyed happen to you. Perhaps ‘Driver’ could do a series about diesel some retail therapy in John Lewis. And they fitted the engines. I have learnt a lot in the last few days. ‘Diesels for replacement seat belt adjuster the reason why I had needed to Dummies’ sounds like a good title! phone them anyway. Barry Neville

NOV/DEC 2009 37 SOC TRAVELCLUB

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www.saabclub.co.uk www.saabclub.co.uk JOIN THE UK’s LEADING We are always on the look SAAB OWNERS CLUB out for new Members, and Membership of the Club offers a wide range what better way than to of benefits, including: • An exclusive bi-monthly 64 page ‘splat’ them!! • National and local events held throughout the year • An extensive Club Shop You’ll find five ‘splat’ cards on this page, just • A nationwide network of dealers and carefully cut these out and when you see a Saab specialist suppliers who offer discounts – young or old – just pop one of them under the and technical support for Club Members windscreen wiper, it’s as easy as that. • Discounts at various outlets • Exclusive Owners Club Insurance schemes. If you need any more ‘splat’ cards we will be • Technical information and help • Preferential RAC rates printing a further set in the next issue, • Club Valuation Scheme but if you can’t wait contact • Online comprehensive website [email protected] 0113 255 6866 for more. Join at www.saabclub.co.uk or phone 01954 232810 www.saabclub.co.uk Please quote Ref. No. ND09 JOIN THE UK’s LEADING JOIN THE UK’s LEADING SAAB OWNERS CLUB SAAB OWNERS CLUB Membership of the Club offers a wide range Membership of the Club offers a wide range of benefits, including: of benefits, including: • An exclusive bi-monthly 64 page • An exclusive bi-monthly 64 page • National and local events held • National and local events held throughout the year throughout the year • An extensive Club Shop • An extensive Club Shop • A nationwide network of dealers and • A nationwide network of dealers and specialist suppliers who offer discounts specialist suppliers who offer discounts and technical support for Club Members and technical support for Club Members • Discounts at various outlets • Discounts at various outlets • Exclusive Owners Club Insurance schemes. • Exclusive Owners Club Insurance schemes. • Technical information and help • Technical information and help • Preferential RAC rates • Preferential RAC rates • Club Valuation Scheme • Club Valuation Scheme • Online comprehensive website • Online comprehensive website Join at www.saabclub.co.uk Join at www.saabclub.co.uk or phone 01954 232810 or phone 01954 232810 Please quote Ref. No. ND09 Please quote Ref. No. ND09 JOIN THE UK’s LEADING JOIN THE UK’s LEADING SAAB OWNERS CLUB SAAB OWNERS CLUB Membership of the Club offers a wide range Membership of the Club offers a wide range of benefits, including: of benefits, including: • An exclusive bi-monthly 64 page • An exclusive bi-monthly 64 page • National and local events held • National and local events held throughout the year throughout the year • An extensive Club Shop • An extensive Club Shop • A nationwide network of dealers and • A nationwide network of dealers and specialist suppliers who offer discounts specialist suppliers who offer discounts and technical support for Club Members and technical support for Club Members • Discounts at various outlets • Discounts at various outlets • Exclusive Owners Club Insurance schemes. • Exclusive Owners Club Insurance schemes. • Technical information and help • Technical information and help • Preferential RAC rates • Preferential RAC rates • Club Valuation Scheme • Club Valuation Scheme • Online comprehensive website • Online comprehensive website Join at www.saabclub.co.uk Join at www.saabclub.co.uk or phone 01954 232810 or phone 01954 232810 Please quote Ref. No. ND09 Please quote Ref. No. ND09 Book online or call the Ticket Hotline 0871 230 1088 www.necclassicmotorshow.com 13 14 15 NOV Cars for Sale Live Stage Restoration Autojumble Parts & Services Dream Rides Automobilia Accessories Restoration Theatre “Advance Offer” Book today- Save £’s & beat the queues! Club Exclusive Ticket Deal! Book by phone or web now... Adults just £13.00 Quote code CLUBS09 Family just £32.00 Quote code CLUBF09

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NOV/DEC 2009 41 V4REGISTER

Hello everyone. Another rush job on the V4 column again I’m afraid, chassis no. 1 (the white museum car) not sure Fiona appreciated this one of these days I’ll manage to spend some proper time pulling it as much as I did however... together! At the time of writing we have passed the autumnal We are due to host the International in 2013, which will also mark equinox and the nights are really starting to draw in. Up here in the Club’s 50th Anniversary, so there will be a lot of work between North Yorkshire we’ve enjoyed a fantastic autumn so far, clear skies now and then to put together an event that is worthy of such a for days on end, bright sunshine but a stiff cool breeze letting you celebration. The Board has begun to discuss the embryonic plans for know that summer is well and truly gone. I’ve been working in this event and Derek Best is starting to pull some ideas together, so if Teeside for much of the last couple of months so I’ve had the you would like to be involved please contact Derek. pleasure of regular trips over the Moors, which got me thinking about the ‘Whitby Heather Hop’ I ran a few years ago for V4s and Anyone remember THAT 96 Turbo? strokers. A few people have asked me if I was planning another, and Earlier this year I got an e-mail from Mike Woolf, owner of that red I’ve not had time since, but I am thinking of organising one next year 96 Turbo that was around in the 80s and early 90s. He still has the if you’re interested, please let me know. car it seems, as well as a few other projects – I’ll let him fill you in However, by the time you read this we should be stuck in the late from here: autumn fogs and chilly days leading up to Christmas. Which is a ‘After a couple of Birmingham CC shows and lending it to the perfect reason for harking back to some very hot days this SOC for a couple of local shows, I entered the Harewood and summer…. Longton Challenge. Did 12 events sprints and hillclimbs, New Brighton, Aintree, Shap, Blackpool, Harewood. A Dutch Weekend ‘Since then, I am sorry to say, the car has languished in the garden. Since the last ‘Driver’ I took my daughters and girlfriend to the I got on with building a 96V4 rally car which I finished (more or less) International Saab Meeting in Doesburg, we managed to fit our in 1994. Great fun to build and like the turbo the engine is quite family holiday either side of it. This was my first International, apart highly spec’d. It’s never been out of the garage. My original 1968 V4 from the Gaydon event when we last hosted it. What a fantastic had been lying around and when stripped resembled a sieve. I had event! The Dutch guys did a truly spectacular job of organising over wanted to try my hand at bodywork, making panels up and practise 400 Saabs and around 1000 visitors. One of the things I loved about my welding, gas, mig, spot. That’s finished and sprayed. Again that the event was the focus on the older Saabs, and there were some was 15 years ago. pretty stunning V4s to enjoy, as well as a huge variety of strokers. ‘Have more time now so maybe will get round to getting rid of Highlights for me – well, apart from our very own Tony Grestock the shell and rally car and sort out the turbo. Now driving a Citroën winning the ‘Beauty Parade’ with his 1952 92, there was an amazing diesel and 124 Merc 220ce pillarless coupe. Torreador Red works replica rally 96, that was stunning as a ‘By the way, compression was 7:1 and it ran at 15lb boost on race concourse car let alone as a rally car, the ever-present wall of sound days (I could dial it in).’ that was Mark Hodges’ 96 sporting a Highgate twin pipe system (great, but I’m not sure I could live with one every day!), and even Thanks for the update Mike, as I said in my reply it would be great being woken up at 6am to the wail of SuperSport to do a feature on these cars before you sell them!

42 SAABDRIVER All correspondence to: ALISTAIR PHILPOTT Rivendell, Middle Street, Swinton, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6SR Tel: +44 (0)1653 697561 E-mail: [email protected]

Saab 96 Rally Record New Registration Thanks to Richard Vigouroux-Henday for sending me this list of the major International Events and Championships won by Saab 96 cars between 1960 and 1980. I’ve highlighted in Name Location Car Registration bold those wins that would have been for the V4, although it’s likely that many of the 1967 Andrew Elliott Sheffield 96 V4 PPG 498L wins could also have been achieved by early V4 cars. This really does bring it home what a successful car the 96 was in , and why it shares more than just the thrum of its off-beat Andrew’s 73 car looks and sounds like a real minter, he has engine with the Subaru Impreza! given it 9/10 for its mechanical and interior condition and a 10/10 for bodywork. Just take a look at the photos! According to Andrew it has ‘no extras except a Smith’s heated (Greece) 1961 rear window, which is still working after 36 years!’ Andrew Angola Rally 1966 continues: (Finland) 1974/1975/1976 ‘My first introduction to Saab was as an eight year old – 4 Bergslags Rally (Sweden) 1973/1975 August 1972, when my Dad bought the new family car – a brand new Saab 95V4 Estate in Verona green for the sum of Canadian Winter Rally 1961 £1,251.00 from Saab Kippen Motors in Scotland, and she Cyprus Rally 1973 served us well right up to 130,000 miles through to 1985 when Finnish Rally 1960/1963/1971/1972 rust finally got the better of her. It was a car I learnt to drive in Hankiralli (Finland) 1960/1961/1962/1967/1968/ as a 17 year old in 1981 and I always thought that one day I would ‘treat myself’ to a 95 or 96V4, if I could find a good one, 1969/1971/1972/1973/1975/ especially if it would be in Verona green. 1976/1977 ‘After two years of trawling the Internet sites like eBay, Classic International Police Rally 1971 cars and others, I came across many worn out examples but Jemt Rally 1974 finally found this superb Verona Green Saab 96V4 from 1973, with hardly a mark on her, a genuine 21,250 miles from new KAK Rally (Sweden) 1960/1966/1971/1972/1973/ with MOTs and service history and of course condition to 1976 match. I paid much more than the £1,251 price tag from the 1962/1963 early 70s however! Norwegian Rally 1967/1968 ‘I believe the car was a showroom exhibit at Ballamy’s Saab Norwegian Autumn Rally 1969 dealership in Sussex for many years (now closed?) so was not really used at all in the 1990s – can anyone confirm if this is Norwegian Gulf Rally 1969 indeed fact? Norwegian Sorland Rally 1970 ‘I am now enjoying the summer months of nostalgic Saab Norwegian Winter Rally 1961/1966/1967/1968/1969/ motoring.’ 1970/1971 This is a real find Andrew, I hope you enjoy many years of RAC Rally UK 1960/1961/1962/1968/1971 ‘nostalgic Saab motoring’. Rally Di Fiori (Italy) 1964 Rally Vlatva (Poland) 1963/1967 Riihimaki Rally (Finland) 1967/1969 Scottish Rally 1969 Viking Rally (Norway) 1960 Swedish Rally Championship 1966/1968/1970/1971/1973 Swedish Rally Championship Class ‘T’ 1968/1971/1972 Swedish Rally Championship Class ‘Special’ 1974/1975/1976 Swedish Rally Championships Class ‘Std B’ 1978 Finnish Rally Championship 1967/1975/1976 Scandinavian Rally Championship 1960/1961/1972

Talking of rally cars, I recently put Stewart Howson in touch with Richard and Les Simpson as he needed someone to finish off the preparation of his 96. I’m happy to say that the Simpsons have made great progress with the car and Stewart is hoping to have it event-ready in the near future – good luck with the project, chaps. Don’t forget to keep sending me your V4 stories and anecdotes, as well as any queries you have. I don’t usually have much shortage of material for this column but I have noticed that it is thinning out a little recently. That’s all for now folks, have a great Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Cheers! Al

NOV/DEC 2009 43 90/99REGISTER

MORE TRAVELS WITH A 90 We took our holiday later this year, and our 90 once again proved its Athol, scene of great Saab gatherings in the past, and were reliability on a 1430 mile trip from Kent to Balintore in north-eastern complimented on a ‘lovely car’ whilst parking up. Had our admirers Scotland. As the car is in daily use it didn’t need any special seen the 90 three days later after being driven across the causeway to preparation apart from a check of the levels. Lindisfarne and parked under a sycamore tree for two days they might I did fit two new tyres with some period 1984 wheels which I had not have been so complimentary. I’m sure I could smell the sea as I spare from a 99, and also a couple of Bilstein shocks up front which I’d washed the sand and sap off it a week later! But yet again it proved had reconditioned but not got round to fitting before. Apart from that you can still use a 99 or 90 quite happily as an everyday car. tyres, I find decent dampers make the biggest single improvement to Incidentally if anyone is doing a run up the northern end of the A9 I the handling, and Bilsteins are probably the best of the lot if you can can recommend the ‘Coffee Bothy’ in Golspie for excellent meals, and find them. I got mine 20 years ago and they were second-hand then, the ‘Balintore Hotel’. The scenery (and Whisky) isn’t bad either! but never seem to wear out. One of them had eventually started On the last leg back from Lindisfarne we had a spur-of-the- leaking oil so I got Bilstein to rebuild them, which probably cost about moment lunch stop at the Newark air museum, which houses more the same as some new ones of another make but is well worth it. Saab aircraft than I’ve seen outside Sweden. They have a Safir, They are the pressurised expanding type so have a self-levelling effect Draken and Viggen amongst other post war aircraft. ideally suited to a heavy car like the 90, reducing body roll and giving a sharper turn in to corners but with no loss of ride comfort, making the Electric water pump roads across Scotland like the A74 to Peebles even more enjoyable. Many thanks to David and Alastair Lawson who sent the following Apart from a failed running light bulb the holiday run was trouble- information on their solution to the perennial 99 B series engine free. On the return journey we had a nostalgic stop off the A9 at Blair water pump problem.

44 SAABDRIVER All correspondence to: STUART PAYNE 11 Whenman Avenue Bexley, Kent DA5 2BS Tel: 01322 521580 e-mail: [email protected]

1 3 2 1 From inlet Manifold 2 Old U Inlet Blanked Off 3 To Top of Old Water Pump Housing If you have an older B series, the original water pump will have a 4 Heater Bypass/Outlet 5 From inlet Manifold brass cage, which can be retained with two new O rings (bigger one 6 Heater Inlet at the top) and sealed by soldering two brass plates over both the 7 Heater Outlet ends (top one to keep the water up, bottom one to keep the oil 8 Heater Bypass/Outlet 9 Header Tank down). If you have a later cage-less pump, two core plugs in the block will do the same job. The old U hose is not needed; simply connect a 5 16mm hose from the old inlet manifold water outlet to a T-junction to 4 meet the heater outlet, providing a bypass to the cold side of the 6 pump and enabling efficient circulation before the thermostat opens. 7 The old 32mm/16mm/32mm T hose, which used to connect the heater outlet to the header tank/top of water pump housing, can be Electric Water 8 Pump Conversion used to connect the heater bypass/outlet to the electric pump. Saab gave up on the The fitting kit, wiring diagram and instructions were idler shaft-driven water comprehensive; we only needed a 16mm T- piece, a 16mm straight pump for the H series join, a metre of 16mm (5/8th inch) heater hose and a few Jubilee engines with good clips; the conversion proved to be very straightforward. The reason, and for those of 9 performance is far superior; the temperature gauge sits at Normal, us with the B series, the and the heater is much more efficient too! gear-driven water pump remains a problem, particularly on 99 Turbos, David and Alastair Lawson where its output is barely sufficient to prevent a hotspot developing in the cylinder head at number 2 cylinder’s exhaust valve. Servicing the Rally project 99 for sale unit is also difficult. I recently had a call about a 99 project for sale in East Sussex. It is a A great alternative is to fit a Davies Craig EWP 80 electric water 1972 two-door 99 with a sound bodyshell which has been partially pump in place of the original mechanical unit. Demon Tweeks stripped with the intention of building a rally car. It still has its original (01978 664466) supply these with next-day delivery, and we have 1850cc engine. If you are interested let me know. recently fitted one to our 1975 99 Combi. Stuart

NOV/DEC 2009 45 99TURBOREGISTER

All correspondence to: CHRIS FOXLEY 99 Turbo Registrar, Tyn-y-Celyn, Derwen, Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 9SF. Tel: 01824 750639 E-mail: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL SAAB CLUBS’ MEETING What a fabulous selection of Saabs to drool Five Door 99TS over. People had travelled from most After my ramblings in the last issue regarding continents, there was even a 99 from Russia. 5-door 99Ts, Steve Broadhurst phoned to There was only a handful of 99Ts in tell of one he has for sale. Whilst this car attendance but, what they lacked in quantity, requires a full restoration, it is all complete they more than made up for in quality. They and there are new doors already fitted. were all either two or three-doors, whilst I There is also a new front panel that will have seen a very early two-door in white, come with the car, and it appears to be I’ve never seen a three-door production OK mechanically. model in this colour. It looked amazing. I think it was originally registered in Switzerland Wastegate Diaphragms and may now have a German owner. These have recently become available again We took our own 99T over to with the added benefit that they are now Doesburg, loaded to the roof with camping reinforced with Nomex, they should gear, despite clocking up almost 1000 miles therefore be more durable. I’ve fitted one the old charger never missed a beat. The myself and can confirm that it functions just only slight complaints being one running light as well as the original, and was a perfect fit. bulb, and due to the very high ambient The good news is the price of £38.62 plus temperatures the underside of the car got VAT, which is less than I paid for a standard so hot that a lot of the rustproofing melted, one four years ago. leaving its mark on a small part of Holland. If you are interested in either the 5-door As seems to be the case these days, there or the Diaphragms then give Steve a ring on were quite a few people interested in the 01484 544556. car during our travels. Chris

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Items: 0 Value: 0 www.twostroke.co.uk For methods of payment please see our website Have you logged on yet? New Products 12 months in development our new website fitting service for any parts purchased online, Best Sellers 1. TSTTB207 B207 offers SAAB owners a great opportunity to labour charges will be discounted by 10% for 1. S9188186 Thottle Timing Chain Kit, buy OE quality parts at fantastic prices. Our online parts orders. Service loan cars are Body Housing Balancer Chain Kit range of new parts has been expanded to always available free of charge for workshop 9-3 & 9-5 2. 10.19739 Petrol 2. 51.821036 Tank Strap Saab offer great choice. As the original and best customers. Please speak to the Service De- Window Regulator 9000, LH SAAB specialist our mail order delivery is partment to confirm your booking. Motor, Front, RH & 3. 55.600RP Water second to none. Special offers of FREE wiper Rear Pump Repair Kit blades or oil filters are available to all SAAB Free winter safety checks will be carried out 3. 30.7898 Hand 4. 10.50162 Petrol owners club members for their first online during November and December 2009 for Brake Cable LH/RH Tank Strap Saab orders over £25 during November and SAAB owners club members. These checks 4. 51.6441 Heater 9000, RH Core Kit. December 2009. Simply quote your will take around 35 minutes and will be carried 5. 55.600 Water 5. WLQ7020 Front Pump Repair Kit membership number when completing an out whilst you wait. Our MOT fee will be Window Regulator online order. reduced to £35 for tests carried out as part 6. WLQ7020 Front Repair Kit RH Window Regulator of a main service during November and 6. 55.600RP Water Repair Kit RH Our workshop offers a competitive and fast December 2009 for club members. Pump Repair Kit

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NOV/DEC 2009 47 9000REGISTER

WE WENT TO THE NATIONAL Yes! The picture is not of a 9000, it is a ninety-two. I took it at the Did you know that a 9000 can carry a mechanics large tool chest? National because we had never seen one before and, mainly, We didn’t until we fitted it in the back with various cans of oil, sump because of the amount of kit that can be stashed in a Saab. This 92 draining cans, various motor-cycle bits, jacks, axle stands, Naval carried the camping gear and family. All without a roof rack! It set my uniforms and, of course, the ubiquitous washing for mum to do! Oh! mind wandering back to when son Richard was at Southampton And the 9000 towed a trailer with motor-cycle on it. University, 99% of his gear was transported in my old 900. After Bea Anyway, back to the National, there were not many 9000s there crashed it we used a BMW 325I Touring, not a patch on a Saab. those that attended were in excellent condition, except mine! Needs Great engine and gearbox, handling was good too but there was not a respray, trouble is that it is my wife’s only form of transport and we much space in it. By the time Richard went to Britannia Royal Naval cannot afford two cars and three motor bikes. The Saab 450 (back College we had bought the 9000 and he had enough gear to fill that. end of a 900) was interesting; a group of us suggested that the

48 SAABDRIVER All correspondence to: JOHN CROOK 57 Brett Green, Upper Layham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 5LX Telephone: 01473 827557 E-mail [email protected]

owner put the flat windscreens from a Land Rover, complete with well, comfortable, plenty of stowage space and does not rattle when wipers etc, in the front, standard Saab rear wash/wipe, connected driven over rough roads. the fuel tank up and connect the hydraulic brakes up. Connecting the The headlight problem is getting more and more interesting. fuel tank up would give it a range of 400 miles. Anyone got a spare Mentioning the problem to both two and four-wheeled enthusiasts 9000 rear end? One car that we did not see there was a 90/99 prompted most of them to say “Let us know how you get on”, trouble Combi Coupe, this was our first Saab, wish that we had kept it. is that I am not, although there is an avenue that I am in the process of We have just completed our main holiday caravanning in Northern exploring. I am in the process of fitting some LED running lights into England and Central Scotland, 1000 miles in three weeks, not bad the headlight assembly, this is because I do not believe in using for a 15-year-old car. At the caravan site in Killin, Central Scotland, a headlights for warning other drivers that you are around. Headlights young couple arrived with caravan towed with a 9000, obviously we (main and dip) were developed to illuminate the road ahead when it is had a chat. The chap had only had the car a short while and was dark. Audis now use running lights and they are most effective. entering into uncharted territory when he bought it, he was over the Now I must go and change my fuel filter. moon with it. He now knows the 9000 secret that it goes and stops John

NOV/DEC 2009 49 9-5REGISTER

All correspondence to: TIM, JULIAN AND TREVOR BAYES 10 Barrington Avenue, Jessops Wood, The Reddings, Cheltenham GL51 6TY Telephone/Fax: 01452 855551 E-mail: [email protected]

New Registrations Trevor’s Confession X19. It might seem obvious, but I like cars and over Before I continue I have a small confession to make. the years have owned about 300 different ones.” Sinclair Forrest – no membership number I have purchased something other than a Saab given writes: “I recently purchased a 9-5 2.3 (shock horror). I said a small confession as I still A Sad Demise HOT Aero Manual Estate, Silver with dark grey have my 9-5 Aero Auto. This is in addition. Derek SOC 799 writes: leather. It’s a 2000 model (so unfortunately My wife thinks I am going through a mid-life “It is with sad news that I have to advise that my just prior to the improvements), but drives crisis, (it’s a bit late for that as I have now officially faithful 9-5 Estate T49 UUT has joined the great extremely well. reached retirement age) as I now have a Porsche scrappage scheme in the sky. “I’ve previously owned (in order) a 1989 Saab Boxster. I have no intention of parting with the 95 “My 2.3A SE T Estate, Cayenne Pepper Red, 900 2.0 manual; a 1989 900 Turbo Convertible Auto; a 1989 9000 2.0 Manual and still have a soft spot for it which still drives well originally purchased new by me, from Bond Street and a 2001 9-3 Diesel Manual.” and has the most comfortable car seats of any car I Saab, Leicester as a company car in May 1999. Mr A M Brennan Member No 020334-11 have owned (which is quite a few) also I somehow “I then bought it back personally after the lease registers a 9-5 SE 1985 model colour Silver. don’t think the Porsche will tow my caravan. They finished from Bond Street Select a couple of years Jen-Michel Rodrigues Member No 18449 are both fun to drive in their own different way. later. Having covered 90,000 miles the turbo gave registers a 2002 model 9-5 colour Silver. way, with resultant oil loss and chain wear. It The Dambusters continued, grumbling on until recently, having Alan Jones, Member number 018995-6 writes: finally reached a respectable 165,000 miles. “My wife has a 9-5 2.3L Turbo SE Auto in “My faithful mechanics, Malcolm Miles Motor Metallic Silver, Reg No: M16 NBJ. The M16 is the Engineer & Son, regularly serviced it and tut-tutted date in May 1943 when 617 Squadron RAF took that a new engine would be inevitable. But the off on their famous Dambusters raid, it is also the time came, finally came, after being offered £100 date my wife and I married, (not in 1943 I might pe, to say goodbye and a new Mini Clubman D add). The NBJ being her initials. now occupies the spare space on the drive next to “I myself have recently purchased a similar car in my C900S Convertible K119 XEL which carries Dark Blue, Reg No: R482 BNM, which I use as a on my long Saab involvement! runabout. I have also a number of other cars, “Since 1977, we’ve had two 96s, three 95s and namely: 1973 NSU Ro80 which is in immaculate then a 9000s T in 1989. Joined in 1994 by a c900S condition and has its original ‘Wankel’ engine. A and then my current C900S Convertible in 1996. 1982 Citroën Dyane, and a 1985 Fiat Bertone “I’m not allowed to drive the Mini.”

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50 SAABDRIVER SAABTEC Sales • Servicing • MOT & Parts repair a speciality Tech 2 diagnostics Collection & Delivery arranged Courtesy Cars close to A57 Manchester/Sheffield – Credit cards accepted Unit 4B, Hadfield Mills, Platt St, Padfield, Glossop SK13 1EB TEL: 01457 867878 MOB: 0780 1103426 FAX: 01457 852944 e-mail: [email protected] www.saabtec.co.uk

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NOV/DEC 2009 51 CLUBSHOP

Your suggestions are invited for items you would like to buy from your shop

Saab Car Mats £38.50 (to order) Code:(12) DVD’s... From £17.50 Music to Drive to... From £6.50 Code:(880) Code:(880)

Baseball Caps £14.50 Code: Black (791) Navy (792) Car Sticker £4.00 Code:(24)

Saab Calculator £3.50 Code:(54)

Tax Disc Holder £1.00 Code:(22)

£1.20 Windscreen Saab Silk Tie Sticker Code:(21) New Design £12.00 Code:(684)

Saab Umbrellas £14.50 Code:(879) Saab Pens £2.50 Blue/Gold Pen Code:(53)

Key Fobs £3.00 Saab Polo Shirt £17.00 SOC Code:(201) Saab plain black enamel on Code:(500) Sizes: s-m-l-xl chrome, black leather Code:(206)

52 SAABDRIVER Phone: 01780 720541 Fax: 01780 729066 E-mail: [email protected] Molly Kenchington (Shopkeeper) 32 Kelthorpe Close, Ketton, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 3RS

Once again the Shop news for the last ‘Driver’ of the year. another role i.e. being worn for decorating jobs. They are quite I hope you all liked the newly designed shop pages with larger well made with good zips etc – so for the foreseeable future, these pictures and more detailed prices. I think our publishers do a will be offered at £3.50 each – sizes M, L and XL are available. wonderful job with the magazine. I was looking through a variety They are very generously cut as they were originally designed to be of publications in my dentist’s waiting room a short time ago worn over suits or coats if needed on a trip somewhere (just goes and compared to the Club magazine, they all seemed so to prove that our Saabs never seem to need roadside assistance). superficial and rather boring. Once again thanks to so many of you for your letters, lovely It seems a bit ridiculous to write about Christmas in October, greeting cards and friendly phone calls. Not forgetting the but could I ask you please to place your orders as early as pictures of your Saabs – my album is building really well now. possible, especially for shirts, as frequently these have to be I hope you all have a lovely festive season and that either ordered in specific sizes. Santa, or better still the Club Shop, will deliver some nice One of my friends recently looked through a copy of ‘Driver’ goodies to make it all the more enjoyable. and enquired about the emergency overalls. I told her that these Best wishes. are not very good sellers. She suggested that they could have Molly

Description Order Code PriceDescription Order Code Price Description Order Code Price SOC Branded Goods – prices as shown Car-shaped Lapel Badges – all at £2.50 Clothing Car Mats (to order) (12) £38.50 95 in blue, green, All T-shirts and polo shirts have either the Club logo Grille badges (22) £14.50 red, orange (120) or Saab ‘Driver’ logo – please ask. Windscreen Stickers (21) £1.20 Car Stickers (24) £4.00 Car-shaped Lapel Badges – all at £2.50 T-Shirt (S, M, L, XL) (400) all at £13.00 Tax Disc Holder (22) £1.00 96 V4 in green, red, Polo Shirt (S, M, L, XL) (500) all at £17.00 Red/Gold Pen (50) £2.50 orange, white (130) White/Navy Polo Shirts all at £17.00 Pearl/Silver/Black Pen (54) £2.50 99 in blue, red, ladies’ (546) (14) (547) (16) Ballpoint Pen (52) £0.30 white, black (140) men’s (548) (M, L, XL) Blue/Gold Pen (53) £2.50 900 in white, Sweatshirts (S, M, L, XL) (700) all at £18.00 Mugs (‘Driver’) (41) £5.00 green, red, silver (150) Silk Ties in navy, maroon (663) £10.80 Mugs (SOC) (42) £5.00 Silk Ties Saab 96 in green (662) £6.80 Calculators (54) £3.50 Key Fobs – all at £3.00 ‘Driver’ Binder (62) £6.50 Tie – New Design (684) £12.00 SOC (201) Bow Tie (685) £8.00 Saab DVD (878) £17.50 Saab plain black enamel on Saab Umbrellas (SOC) (879) £14.50 Scarves in red, sky blue, chrome, black leather (206) mid-blue (670) £9.60 Lapel Badges – all at NO62 £2.50 Ladies’ Scarves (671) £16.00 Car-shaped Fobs – all at £3.00 SOC (101) Men’s Scarves (672) £15.00 For 95, 96V4, 99 and 900 in various colours Saab Scania enamel (102) Emergency overalls (81) £3.50 Saab Scania resin (103) Safety vests (M, L, XL) (875) £7.00 Saab – green (105) DVDs (880) £17.50 Baseball caps (Black & Navy) (791/2) £9.50 SOC Cloth Badge 3” dia (191) Saab Lapel Badge (109) CDs (880) £6.50 Saab Models £7.50 + £12.50

Code Description Colour Size Model Year Quantity Price

Please use a separate piece of paper if you don’t wish to spoil your ‘Driver’ – remember to incorporate all relevant information.

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Date of issue: Date of Expiry: Signature: Postage and Packaging: Items £5.00 and under 75p – Items over £5.00 £2.50 For correspondence please include a SAE – Include your Membership No with all orders – Cheque/PO payable to SAAB OWNERS CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN LTD

Purchase online by secure catalogue at www.saabclub.co.uk CHEQUES PAYABLE TO SAAB OWNERS CLUB OF GB Ltd_____

NOV/DEC 2009 53 MOTORSPORT

SLIPPERY WHEN DRY... The colder weather is getting ever closer and this usually this event, ‘any road up’, as our black country members would means a reduction in Motorsport activity, some good rallies say, back to the event... are still to be found during the darker months, notably road It has to be said that I spent most of the two days at the rallies, these are usually held in the evening. To check for special rally circuit, with a , 96 and Richard Simpson’s events in your area have a look at the MSA website Skoda – where else would I be! Not forgetting two evolutions www.msauk.org/custom/asp/home/default.asp and click on of my all time favourite group B rally car the Peugeot 205 T16. ‘regional associations’ at the top of the page, then find your The rally circuit at Oulton is tarmac, but not ordinary tarmac, area, this will then lead you to the MSA affiliated this stuff is even slippery when dry and absolutely lethal Motorsport clubs where you live, there is usually a link to when wet, it really does test the car and driver. The Audi the club’s website. driver at the event was even finding it difficult keeping it The Oulton Park Gold Cup historic race meeting was yet straight on the straights! If you put too much power down again another great event, the SOC has attended this event the car will snake and spin, highly amusing to those watching from the very first year the organisers invited car clubs, and I and a real street credibility demolisher to those driving. I think this must be around the fifth year. Thanks to all of those managed to get some half decent shots of the cars in action. who attended, it has been mentioned on more than one You really should make an effort to get along to this event occasion why this event is not supported more by the next year, you may even get a ride in one of the Club membership, after all, the tickets are free for car and driver. I Members cars if you ask nicely. am bemused as to why I am not inundated with requests for David Barrow

54 SAABDRIVER NOV/DEC 2009 55 MOTORSPORT A Racing Certainty

It was a racing certainty that a great location and a really good day out was on the cards for yet another car race meeting at Cheshire circuit, Oulton Park.

Last year, being a confirmed Saab-nut, I was trawling around the UK Saab’s website, again by Dave Barrow pointing out that UK Internet sites and particularly the forum on UK Saabs when I another free entry offer was available; I asked about tickets by happened upon the ‘meetings’ section. e-mail and was delighted when they arrived. Now, this is not really a part of the site I use much, preferring Another great day watching Historic racing cars, from what the coffee bar and the ‘workshop’ areas. must be the best spot on the circuit with a small bunch of very Eventually alighting on a message from one David Barrow, pleasant guys, all I suspect Saab ‘geeks’ like me. advising of an opportunity to participate in a day’s car race The day was filled with superb racing and the venue packed viewing. with other interesting cars, Ferraris, E-types, Alphas, Morgans, Now, one of my faults is that I don’t always take in the detail and 100s of Minis. The finest pair of Bristols was seen near the of what’s printed, so I missed a vital point in Dave’s message. It paddock, there’s no finer sight! had a part there which said, if you want to call your car a cars from the 60s & 70s roaring round and then ‘display car’, then the driver and the vehicle (provided it’s a Lolas and the like, Formula Ford, and Historic Sports cars, etc., Saab) could get into the circuit for FREE! etc. Rain only intervened briefly and who cared anyway? It The day came, bright and sunny, (remember, this was 2008) actually added to the action. and I and a buddy arrived at the lovely Cheshire site of car-racing In all, a super day out, and it had cost my buddy just £20 to history. We both paid at the gate and were directed to a car park get in, and me, not a penny! Apart from the cost of the petrol where we couldn’t even see the track from inside the car. to get there. Getting out and walking over the hill, we spied a line of gleaming The question is, why are there only around ten of us go? Saabs, with their drivers enjoying the rarely seen Cheshire sun. A In my Group, it’s because the wives and partners want to go warm welcome ensued, from people we had not met previously. somewhere else on a bank holiday. “Are you a member of SOC?” they asked. “Yes my membership But surely that can’t be the same for all Members? number is *****, and I’m in the North West Group run by I just want to say, thanks for your efforts Dave, I’m sorry I Richard Elliott”. “Did you pay to come in?” “Yes £20 each.” didn’t see your demo (or, was it racing?) with the rally car that “Bring your car here, with us”. So I did. day, but given the chance, I hope to next year! Now jump forward a year. I had seen a similar message on the John Howard

56 SAABDRIVER 3 SISTERS SPRINT Wigan, Sunday, 9 August 2009 to continue the story… I had previously competed here with the naturally aspirated Saab 99 8v rally car, a few years back. Indeed, managing to utilise the tight and twisty circuit, to collect both a first and second in class... So how would the ‘new’ 99 Four wheel drive, turbocharged with No drama then, apart from a single turbo fare? over 300 bhp, I think we may have a seater… going off into the wall, the The current economic climate dictated problem here? ambulance crew being scrambled just as that only two cars would be in the ‘road So a few practice runs, before the a precaution. going class’, entries for the event well timed event started proper... down on previous years. An early Two timed runs before lunch. Oh, and the 99 turbo refusing to morning start, arriving at the circuit at Saab Audi start for run four? 07.30, apply the no.19, to the door 55.02 52.24 The very hot weather causing fuel squares, then into scrutineering, passing 54.77 51.83 evaporation, soon sorted by bridging the with no issues. fuel pump relay, re-pressurising the fuel The other car in our class, a rather Then a bite to eat, a break for the system. A brave performance,by a swift looking 1990 Audi Quattro arrived. marshals, on a very hot day. turbocharged Saab 99, with 180 bhp, on Parking up next to us. A rather tall Afternoon timed runs. a standard gearbox, front-wheel drive... gentleman, climbed out the left-hand Saab Audi against the Audi Quattro, ten years more drive machine, none other than Phil 55.12 51.27 advanced, with nearly double the power... Short (former co-driver to Hannu Mikkola 54.78 52.19 Phil Short, even shook hands... etc, of the Group B rally car era) bidding 54.81 51.52 A fantastic day, yet again supported by us a ‘good morning’. 54.84 51.49 the Saab Owners Club, thank you. Julian Davies SAAB INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST G NEW AND USED PARTS AVAILABLE G SERVICE AND REPAIR FACILITIES G USED SAABS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES G MAIL ORDER SERVICE VOLSAA ENGINEERING Tel: (01332) 291320 Fax: (01332) 380698 2-4 Fox Street, Derby DE1 2BW www.volsaaengineering.co.uk

NOV/DEC 2009 57

CHRIS HAMLEY MOTORSPORT

Polar Bear on event – understeer quite apparent as the car misses the apex TEAM JAYHAWK Photo © flickr.com Omloop van Vlaanderen 11-13 September, 2009 Jim Valentine and Andy Harris

Months of preparation, days of sweat and effort, hours of concentration and nine minutes in a ditch. Later in the results, those dreaded initials we thought we’d seen the back of: DNF did not finish. It had all been going so well, the Polar Bear was in roaring form you get two days to recce the stages before you compete on and running the best it has to date. With no championship in them. With Saturday’s leg being largely a loop of four stages contention, knowing the fearsome reputation of the Flanders repeated three times, you get to spot the difficult sections stages and not wanting to repeat last year’s ditching (caught on three times in advance and prepare for doing them at speed You Tube and watched by more people than makes me three times: really good experience for car and crew. comfortable), I was determined not to rush at this year’s event. Friday night started out slow but steady on a spectator stage The aim was to run the car in its newly fettled condition, enjoy called Beveren. The local community really gets behind the rally the (now more predictable) brakes and help Andy build up more and the local mayor closes Roeselare’s ring road for the event, experience as a navigator. it feels like the whole town turns out to spectate. The stage On most events, if you make a hash of a corner you never see uses part of an Industrial Estate and then the cars duck under it again, but one of the pleasures of the Flanders Rally is that the ring road in an underpass. We do two loops of about 8km to

58 SAABDRIVER driving forwards. The locals are a handy bunch and even without marshals knew to slow the following competitors. After a few minutes of pulling and pushing it was clear we weren’t coming out forwards so we tried pulling it out backwards, a big improvement. As the Belgians pulled in one direction the front wheels found a bit of grip. Practice for the event on American Spec wheels and bald The car changed orientation in the ditch and I ended up in tyres at the Oulton Park Gold Cup Rally Demo Stage the weird position of being nearly vertical and nose down in the Photo © flickr.com ditch. The rear of the car was about eight feet above the road and all I could see was sky in the mirrors. However this gave make up the stage. I was really pleased with the way the car was everyone a lever action that proved very successful for getting performing and although we took it easy on the first lap, we the heavy bits of the car up to the road level and, with a sped up for the second. combination of promises of pints for helpers, grit and In speeding up I overshot the brake point for a left turn and enthusiasm, we were on the road again and back in the rally. ended up pushing into loads of red and white tape at the end The car felt just about okay back on the stage and we made the of a long straight, really not very impressive. In the dark I had next time control without losing too much time. In all, un- completely misread the location of the turn for the corner. We ditching a properly stuck 1500kg car took around nine minutes, made it through the stage regardless. I felt afterwards that we which must be some kind of record. could have taken a minute and a half off our 11:39 time. Indeed After we got our time at the next control I had a chance to the fastest car in our class did the stage in 9:43. check the damage. We seemed in usable order and with the Saturday morning started in good order and, despite taking it next stage cancelled we only had to make it back to service. We easy, we put in a reasonable time on the first stage. The second took a moment to check around the car. This was a good stage went well until we entered a 90 left with barrels on the precaution as the nearside calliper had red and white marker inside to tighten an already tight corner. Despite slowing, the tape wrapped right round it. If we had driven much further it car drifted wide, I caught it on the brakes and came to a would almost certainly have set the car on fire. standstill with the offside front wheel of the car airborne over On the ring road on the way back to service smoke or steam the ditch. For a moment we hung there completely perched puffed out of Andy’s dash vent. It did it again and I was over the edge like the coach at the end of The Italian Job. frightened we had a dashboard fire. Then the water gauge went Two questions immediately entered my head: would we have up past the red and stayed there. Getting moving reduced the grip with the nearside wheel to reverse out of our predicament? temperature and but she was trying to stall. A bump start at And how soon would the next competitor arrive? Anyone regroup and we made it to service. We had beaten our service coming up behind us would have no chance to see us before crew back, but Francis Tuthill, a legend of Porsche preparation, the corner and thus would have about three metres to stop in. came over from the service bay next door and took the cap off With no spectators around to warn the following car, we stood a the water system. What a bang as superheated water shot out high chance of being booted up the rear. Thankfully, we were of the header tank! With puffs of steam from the exhaust, either able to engage reverse and regain the stage. I suspect if we had a gasket or the head itself, had clearly had enough and it was gone two centimetres further into the corner we would have the end of our rally. gone into the ditch nose first. It was a let-off and a warning Most surreal moment of a testing weekend? On Friday after shot that went unheeded. scrutineering I was setting up the stove to make tea for the On the next stage we ditched the car properly. It seemed so service crew and hadn’t attached the gas canister properly. With innocuous: three square corners left, right and right. We took butane flames shooting all over the stove I was trying to beat the first two well but arrived at the third too quickly in second out the flames with my unprotected hand (what use are the gear. I braked hard before the corner and had the car turned hairs on the back of your hand anyway). A Belgian voice looking but, having carried too much speed into the corner, picked up on from the back of the van opinioned, ‘this is not so good.’ the loose gravel that was on the surface and possibly used too Remonstrating with the service crew that in my hour of need little throttle. As a result, we understeered about fifteen they had all made themselves conspicuously absent in the face centimetres off the tarmac. In that fifteen centimetres was the of a proper fire, their excuse was that I was the one in the mouth of a troll hole rather than a ditch and we went straight in flame-proof overalls. Hmmm. sideways. The car came to a standstill at a perfect 90 degree There were some good things about the weekend. The stage angle to horizontal. The nearside of the car was about six feet times we posted taking it easy would have improved as the rally down in the bottom of the ditch and the offside front wheel progressed. The car has proved itself perfectly capable of was in a horizontal line with the road surface. competitive times and driven well could get into the top five of I didn’t for a moment think we would be able to get out class C3. The Polar Bear may have had a biff on the nose again, but you have to lead in these circumstances and as (literally, as we have re-modelled the nearside wing and hordes of spectators came to help we got the tow rope on the scrunched the light cluster); but we’ll be back. front of the car and started trying to pull the car out while Hope to see some of you on the RAC in November.

NOV/DEC 2009 59 PRODUCTOFFER

AUTO EXPRESS RECOMMENDED 2008 The ONLY UK Gauge with Readings in PSi and Bar Ideal for Cars, Motorcycles, 4x4’s MPV’s and Bikes Hard wearing rubber case, Dual Power with Solar Panel, and Lithium Battery (supplied) Pressure Gauge in PSi Bar kpa and Kg/cm2, Pressure Gauge Range 2-150 PSi, Automatic Shut Off for power saving, Handy Directional Light for night use. Also includes handy Integral Tread Depth Gauge with white digits on black background makes it so easy to read and keeps you on the right side of the law regarding tread depth, which is 1.6mm in the UK (see page 10 – Ed). All in all one of the most comprehensively equipped digital gauges we have ever sold. Accurate +/- 1% Ce Approved.

Correct tyre pressures SAVE FUEL = MORE MPG

We have six Digital Tyre Gauges to give away to six lucky readers. To enter, simply answer the following question and post, e-mail or fax back – please see the details below:

What is the hard wearing case made of?

Name: SOC Membership No:

Address

Postcode: Tel

Please post, e-mail or fax entries to: Anne Szpindor • Mypec, The Old Pottery, Fulneck Leeds, LS28 8NT. Fax no: 0113 255 6887 e-mail: [email protected] Entries close 1st December 2009. The winners will be the first five correct entries drawn at random.

60 SAABDRIVER INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Abbott Racing...... 19 Jetex ...... 45 Reg Morris Garages ...... 62 APL Saab ...... 57 Mark Arnold...... 62 Saab GB ...... 2, 11, 35, 64 B & D Specialist Cars ...... 21 Michael Foulkes ...... 21 Saab Style...... 51 Bourne Motors ...... 7 Motorvation ...... 21 Saabtec ...... 51 Central Saab Specialist ...... 7 Neo Bros...... 63 Scanparts ...... 34 Chris Hamley...... 29 Neuton Tyres...... 4 SS Motors ...... 50 Chris Knott ...... 15 Orpington Saab ...... 7 Stainless Steel...... 31 Classic 900...... 21 Partsforsaabs.com...... 20 Turners Hill Garage ...... 62 Concept Saab ...... 19 Perry and Prouse ...... 21 Two Stroke ...... 47 Cover Systems...... 51 Peter Best Insurance...... 51 Valley Saab ...... 7 Ealing Saab ...... 50 Redhill Garage ...... 21 Volsaa Engineering ...... 57

ADVERTISING RATES FOR SMALL ADS IMPORTANT NOTES TICK CLASSIFICATION:

NO. MEMBERS NON If you are a trader, the law requires that you Two-Stroke 9-3 OF WORDS ONLY MEMBERS state ‘Trade’ 95 V4 UP TO 9-5 36 FREE £10.00 MEMBERSHIP NUMBER 96 V4 Cars Wanted UP TO 57 £5.00 £14.00 90 I enclose a cheque for Wanted UP TO £ : 99 72 £9.00 £22.00 Bits and Pieces Name: 900 HIGHLIGHTED COLUMN £23.00 £34.00 Address: 9000 Misc ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT

Postcode:

Telephone No:

I agree the wording of the advertisement is true.

Signed: Date:

REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR ASKING PRICE, and YOUR TEL. NO. within the advertising panel.

PLEASE NOTE THIS ADVERTISING FORM MUST PLEASE ACCOMPANY ALL CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Advertisements on the web ads site will not automatically be included within the ‘Driver’ unless PRINT re-submitted on this form.

CLEARLY Please make cheques payable to: The Saab Owners Club of Great Britain Ltd

Please send cheque (to SOC) and form to:

DAVE GARNETT, Please PRINT CLEARLY or preferably TYPE on separate sheet. Use separate sheet if there is not GORSEY FIELD HOUSE, enough space on this form. Use correct punctuation. Copy the form if you wish to use more than one classified section. ONLY ONE ADVERTISEMENT PER FORM WILL BE ACCEPTED. BIRTLE, BURY, BL9 6UD We regret that ONWARD GOING advertisements cannot be accepted, all ads will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. It is not always possible to include photographs, we apologise if yours is not included. We cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions arising from DEADLINE – JAN/FEB 2010 illegible submissions. COPIES OF ‘DRIVER’ are available to NON-MEMBER ADVERTISERS upon request. Please add to your cheque an extra £4.00 per copy plus 50p p&p. 20 NOV 2009 MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS MUST BE QUOTED ON ALL COMPLETED FORMS

NOV/DEC 2009 61 Advertisements may also be placed on the Club website. Web advertisements can be submitted using the web advertisement form. Access via: www.saabclub.co.uk and click on web adverts. CLASSIFIED Trade advertisements will not be accepted.

96V4 99 Silver 1983 900 Ruby Turbo For 96V4 Four-door, five-speed. 112,000 miles. One Very good condition. 146,000 miles. Regularly Head lamp wash/wipe kit for rectangular head previous owner. Service history including all serviced by Saab Specialist. Taxed and MOT’d lamp V4. Kit is new and believed complete 96V4 Red 1971 MOT certificates. Excellent condition. Ronal to June 2010. Reluctant sale due to ill health. with all linkages, washer bottles and pumps, MOT expired May 2009. Ken low fan minilite alloys. MOT until January 2010. £2950 or sensible offer. Tel: 01702 711582 wiper motors, relays, wiring looms and fitting and engine pressure gauge. It was an Tel: 07973429346 (Wimbledon). (Essex). instructions. Any reasonable offer accepted. excellent runner until clutch problems. Tel: 01934 632854 (Somerset). New clutch maybe required when problem is investigated. It has been 900 900i Manual, 1984, 109,000 miles. Red with For 99 Turbo Two Door extensively welded in the past. Offers 900 Convertible 16v immaculate beige interior. Sunroof, radio, CD. Exhaust tail pipe. Pair door mirrors. Radio Tel: 01625 874900 Retirement forces 1192, ‘J’ Reg. Good condition. June 2010 MOT. console. Pair petrol tank straps. Set wheel arch MOT until September 2010, Taxed, very disposal of this cherished car (Cheshire). Garaged. 118,000 miles. Lots of history, Dark trims. All items used but good condition. good condition. One owner from new. Green metallic and black roof £2495 ono. Tel: Nominal prices. Tel: 01934 632854 (Somerset). 07743 772628 (no canvassers) (Somerset). Service history. Offers and enquiries Vicki. Tel: 07734 703870 (Sussex). 99 For 1982 99GL 900 Classic LPT Radiator, radiator fan, slam panel, hoses and 900i 16v Auto 99 Cream 1984 1993 ‘L’, 182,000 miles. Scarabe Green, grey expansion tank. Pair front side light/winker units. 1990, Red, five-door. 126,000 miles. Solid Front bumper. Dash economy gauge. Fuse box Four-door, five-speed. 135,000 miles. velour interior. Electric sunroof, multi CD reliable car. Recently rewaxoyled. New and wiring loom. Starter motor. Washer bottle. Three previous owners. Full service player. New exhaust system, radiator and headlining, some history, original books. All items used but good condition. Nominal history. Superb bodywork. MOT expired. Lamda sensor. Headlining sagging. MOT July Factory sunroof. MOT September 2010. prices. Tel: 01934 632854 (Somerset). Requires work. Saab minilite alloys 2010, Taxed 30 December 2009. £750 ono. Tel: 07846 453167 (Surrey). £1250 ono. Tel: 01760 722458 evenings available by separate negotiation. Offers. (Norfolk). Tel: 07973 429346 (Wimbledon). Dog Guard For Classic 900. 900XS Classic Offers. Tel: 01288 361398 (Cornwall). 1992, 123,000 miles. Five-door, Scarabe Green, C900S LPT grey velour. Alloys, electric windows and 1991, three-door, nearly mint condition. Only Misc sunroof (requires attention). Headlining starting 88,000 miles. Full service history to 65,000 miles. Gleaming Eucalyptus Green paintwork Oil Leaking from Distributor to sag. Owned from new. FSH. MOT February Oil seal replaced by SOC Member. For Saab 2010. £600 ono. Tel: 01206 844529 (Essex). with interior looking unused. Engine bay immaculate with fitted intercooler. Absolute 900 (1984-1993) BOSCH Part No: 0237- 0501010 and 900 (1993-1998) pleasure to drive, looking and feeling like a 900 Ruby Part No: 0237-520054. Repairs from £25 new car. Taxed and MOT’d until February ‘K’ Reg, 110,000 miles. Very good condition, including P&P. Tel: 01208 72429 Allen Timms 2010. £3500. Tel: 01288 361398 (Cornwall). much service history, just serviced and MOT’. or e-mail: [email protected] £4750. Tel: 07476 771970 (London). (Bodmin, Cornwall). Wanted Set of Minilite Alloy Wheels Holiday Lets Mark Arnold For 96V4 with or without tyres. Good price Holiday in the Algarve paid for a set in nice condition. Luxury apartment, sleeps six. Sea views, pool. Tel: 01934 632854 (Somerset). Fully equipped kitchen, Satellite TV. Two Dealing in What really matters is bathrooms. Walking distance to beach and attention to detail! town. Three top golf courses nearby. SAABS • SAABS under 5 years old, Bits and Pieces Tel: 01277 623846 or email: for over 37 years £7k - £20k Set of Covers [email protected] • Most with only one previous Classic 900i Convertible, 1991, ‘J’ Reg. Hardly owner and full Franchised Dealer used so reasonable and fair offers please. Perthshire Luxury country cottage in rural Perthshire all vehicles personally selected & appraised service history Tel: 07863101959 near Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve at • Every car carries my own Parts e-mail: [email protected] and Labour warranty picturesque Dunkeld. Sleeps 4 (1 double (near Horsham). bedroom with en-suite, 1 twin bedroom). • Part exchange considered Please visit my website @ Excellent base for exploring Scotland. www.markarnold.co.uk Tel: 01454 412073 4 x Spoke Wheels and Tyres Members’ discount From 2002, 93,000 miles. Convertible few e-mail: [email protected] or visit for full details of current stock Mobile: 07836755499 scuffs. £175. Tel: 07973 866558 (Herts). www.perthshirecountrycottages.co.uk Reg MorriS GarageS SAAB Authorised Dealer 30 Years, Experience as a Dealer now Mail order service INDEPENDENT SAAB SPECIALIST for parts and accessories We offer SAAB Dealer Experience at Specialist Prices Parts Hotline: (01342) 718799 • New & Used Car Sales • New, Used & Budget Parts • Service & MOT • 10% Discount for SOC members Parts Fax: (01342) 714085 All major credit cards accepted Tel: 01427 752332 Turners Hill Garage Ltd Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex www.regmorrisgarages.co.uk Website: http://www.saab.uk.com Email: [email protected] 1 Doncaster Road, Westwoodside, Doncaster

62 SAABDRIVER NOV/DEC 2009 63 Be prepared for winter with a £35 Safety Check & Top Up IF UNDELIVERED RETURN TO SENDER: Membership Team, Saab Owners Club GB Ltd, PO Box 1063, Swavesey, Cambridge CB4 5YR Saab Owners Club GB Ltd, PO Box 1063, Swavesey, IF UNDELIVERED RETURN TO SENDER: Membership Team,

Plus Free Winter Car Care Pack with every Safety Check & Top Up Don’t leave things to chance, call now to book your Safety Check & Top Up.

For further information contact your local Saab Dealer or call 0845 300 9395 to find your nearest Dealer. saab.co.uk

The Safety Check is a 25 point visual vehicle inspection only. Any recommendations made are not legally binding and the vehicle driver remains responsible for the roadworthiness of his/her vehicle, and for any related offence. If you choose not to have any remedial work done we may recommend that certain essential work be carried out on the grounds of safety before you drive your vehicle. Checks are subject to availability. Top up quantity limited to a maximum of 1/2 litre. Additional quantities will be advised and with customer consent charged accordingly. Offer ends 31st March 2010.